Busy Bees Preschool

In March 2023, worms, breathing exercises and child-built obstacle courses gave Busy Bees Preschool a recognisable character: learning about the natural world sat alongside learning to manage feelings. At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Outstanding overall. The detail behind that judgement is useful for parents who value emotional confidence as well as early learning.

Based at Busy Bees Early Years & Nature Centre in Leasingham, the preschool has 26 places in total. In March 2023, the children attending were aged two to four; that age range describes the setting at that time.

In March 2023, children collaborated on an obstacle course, discussed their ideas and sought help moving long objects. This gave conversation a practical purpose: explaining a plan and getting something done together. Paint experiments also encouraged children to investigate unfamiliar colours rather than wait for an answer.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the March 2023 examples connected those elements through play: a curled worm prompted exploration of a letter shape, while children recalled vocabulary about a worm's body.

During walks to forest school in March 2023, children avoided damaging daffodils and moved worms from the path to the grass. These outdoor experiences brought care for living things into everyday decisions. Mindfulness sessions taught breathing through activities such as blowing bubbles and smelling flowers, giving children techniques they could use when feelings became overwhelming.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including help with referrals, individual support where needed and targets developed with other professionals.

In March 2023, key persons knew children's interests and development, using that knowledge to plan activities that revisited skills and extended learning. When children were upset, staff offered comfort and discussed feelings; a swing or spinning platform could help a child settle before returning to play. Emotional support therefore included both conversation and physical resources.

Parents were involved through online information events in March 2023, including a session about preparing children for school. Staff also received supervision and training, with access to counselling through a staff support scheme. These were practical ways of supporting the adults around the children.

The address is Busy Bees Early Years & Nature Centre, Community Building, Spring Lane, Leasingham, Sleaford NG34 8JZ.

In March 2023, attendance ran during term time, Monday to Friday, with sessions from 9am to 3pm. That historical pattern gives families a concrete starting point when considering how preschool would fit around work and school holidays.

• Attendance fit. The March 2023 pattern was term-time sessions from 9am to 3pm. What attendance arrangements can the preschool offer your family now?
• Emotional support. In March 2023, breathing activities, a swing and a spinning platform helped children manage feelings. During a visit, discuss how these approaches would fit your child's needs.
• School preparation. A March 2023 parent information event covered transition to school. Explore how your family would take part in that preparation.

Busy Bees Preschool suits parents drawn to outdoor exploration, practical conversation and explicit work on emotions. Its March 2023 provision combined those experiences with individual planning and parent involvement. For families considering term-time preschool, the historical daytime session pattern is relevant; the strongest reason to consider it is the connection between children's play, relationships and growing independence.