Busy Bees Christian Pre-School Nursery

A garden pond, a painted riding track and a Christian ethos give Busy Bees Christian Pre-School Nursery a recognisable character in its September 2022 account. Based at Coppice Primary School, Manford Way, Chigwell IG7 4AL, it has capacity for 50 children.

At its September 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall. Children attending then were aged 1 to 4; the account combines outdoor exploration, early communication and practical independence, with a specific improvement needed in how adults extend children's vocabulary.

In September 2022, children followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for learning, development and care: play involved stories, making marks, handling books and exploring shapes. Babies tackled simple puzzles and used pots, pans and programmable toys, giving them opportunities to practise coordination and solve small problems.

Outdoor play brought different challenges. That September, children steered wheeled toys around one another on the garden's painted track, climbed and watched frogs and fish in the pond. These experiences combined movement with opportunities to notice living things. Babies also practised climbing the small steps of a slide with adult help.

Language threaded through singing, stories and conversations. In September 2022, adults did not consistently expand children's vocabulary by modelling fuller sentences or rewording their speech. That is the clearest teaching point for families to weigh alongside the activities.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with additional needs well supported, including through work with other agencies. This is a dated judgement about practice at that visit.

In September 2022, a visual timetable helped children understand routines, including those learning English as an additional language. Bucket time involved sustained participation in a shared activity, helping children practise attention and taking turns. Adults also encouraged handwashing and toileting independence, linking everyday care with self-care skills.

Parent communication that September included updates about development and ideas for learning at home. Mealtimes were calm, with adults encouraging healthy food choices.

The address is Coppice Primary School, Manford Way, Chigwell IG7 4AL. In September 2022, opening hours were 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

That September, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. Its Christian ethos was also part of the setting's approach at that time.

• Attendance pattern. The September 2022 routine was term time only. At a visit, what current booking pattern and holiday arrangements would fit your family's working week?
• Language development. In September 2022, adults needed to use fuller conversational models more consistently. Give attention to how practitioners extend children's words during play and everyday routines.

Busy Bees merits consideration by families drawn to the outdoor exploration and Christian ethos described in September 2022, and whose childcare needs fit a term-time routine. The pond, riding track and practical play give that account substance. Balance those attractions against the vocabulary-development concern and the age of the inspection when making a choice.