BusyBodies Private Day Nursery

Vegetables, dough and outdoor walks give BusyBodies Private Day Nursery a practical flavour: its February 2026 experiences linked conversation with things children could touch, weigh and explore. This Raskelf setting has capacity for 29 children. At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six education and care areas to be at the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met.

The strengths and the development points sit together. Familiar adults supported daily routines, while group activities, explanations about behaviour and information for parents needed further work.

In February 2026, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care. Play brought its learning together: weighing dough ingredients introduced comparisons, while conversation helped children describe what they were doing.

Chinese New Year learning led into pretend stir-fry preparation, with children naming vegetables. Babies explored cooked noodles through touch, accompanied by adults describing the sensations. These were concrete ways to connect language with experience, rather than relying solely on group instruction.

Weekly forest school walks added outdoor physical activity in February 2026. Children also practised balance on planks, and could choose resources independently. There was a clear limitation: daily phonics activities were too demanding for some two-year-olds, reducing their participation. The fit between an activity and the child mattered more than its label.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements supported consistent care, children made secure progress from their starting points, and tailored SEND support included work with dietitians and occupational therapists.

In February 2026, staff gathered information about family routines before children started, and comfort objects helped those who struggled with separation. Feeding, weaning and sleep arrangements followed individual needs; allergy and dietary care plans were reviewed with families and professionals. Daily meals and snacks accompanied opportunities for children to pour drinks and serve snacks themselves.

Daily handovers, photographs and updates kept parents connected in February 2026. However, information about children's learning targets and activities to try at home was less consistent. Families could hear about the day without receiving enough guidance about what should come next.

The address is Howker Lane, North End, Raskelf, York, YO61 3LF. In February 2026, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Those hours describe the inspection-time operating window.

• Activities for younger children. In February 2026, some two-year-olds struggled to engage with phonics pitched beyond their stage. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how group activities now accommodate younger children.
• Explaining behaviour. In February 2026, adults sometimes gave instructions without explaining the safety reason or effect on another child. Helping children understand why a rule matters was an improvement priority.
• Learning at home. February 2026 updates did not consistently explain children's next learning targets or give families ideas to use at home. Discuss how these are now shared alongside daily handovers.
• Attendance pattern. Which booking arrangements would fit your family's working week?

BusyBodies suits families who value practical play, familiar carers and opportunities to develop everyday independence. Its February 2026 picture included sensory exploration for babies, outdoor activity and conversation woven into play. The decision also needs to account for the work identified on age-appropriate group teaching, explaining behaviour and helping parents support learning at home.