The Annex, Busy Bees

Small scale is the defining fact at The Annex, Busy Bees: this Pond Street setting has capacity for 26 children aged from 22 months to five years. Ofsted judged it Good in September 2022, with effective safeguarding and Good judgements across education, behaviour, personal development and leadership.

That inspection is now a dated view, but it captured a calm setting where children formed secure relationships and became confident explorers. Practical play had real substance, from mixing flour, water and oil into play dough to measuring and pouring water with jugs, cups and spoons.

The Early Years Foundation Stage provides the statutory framework. In parent terms, that means learning is built across communication, physical, personal and early academic development through play, routines and carefully sequenced experiences rather than formal lessons.

In September 2022, staff planned from children's interests and next steps. Children climbed, pushed wheelbarrows and learned to pedal bicycles, while doctor role play brought a stethoscope, thermometer and number knowledge together. These are specific examples of active learning rather than a generic activity list.

Relationships were a clear strength in September 2022. Staff listened respectfully, used gentle explanations to teach boundaries and helped children discuss happiness, sadness and anger through books, stories and photographs. Snack and handwashing routines also became opportunities for conversation, independence and healthy-eating teaching.

The September 2022 inspection found safeguarding effective. Staff understood how to recognise and respond to possible abuse, received regular training and completed daily risk assessments. The report also found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those speaking English as an additional language, made good progress from their starting points.

Parent partnership was the one improvement point in September 2022. Families valued the smooth transition from a linked setting and good communication, but wanted more opportunities to contribute to their children's learning.

The setting is at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG. Its capacity is 26 children, with the recorded age range running from 22 months to five years.

• Current daily arrangements. Ask during a visit how today's age groups, attendance patterns and daily routines are organised, because the inspection observations describe September 2022.
• Parent input. Explore how families now share children's interests and learning from home, since strengthening this partnership was Ofsted's improvement point.
• Joining details. Discuss the attendance pattern, opening times, food, consumables, funding and current quotation together before accepting a place, so the practical package is clear.

The Annex, Busy Bees is best suited to families who value a small setting and play that turns ordinary materials, movement and role play into purposeful learning. Its Good inspection record is positive, while its age means parents should use a visit to understand the present team and routines. The unresolved practical details make a direct, detailed conversation essential before deciding whether the current attendance offer fits family life.