Busy Bees Ashton House

Personal routines for babies were a defining feature in February 2026: care followed familiar patterns from home, with a gradual move towards nursery routines as children progressed through the rooms. At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines Strong standard, the other five education and care areas Expected standard, and safeguarding standards met.

Busy Bees Ashton House caters for children from three months to five years and has 161 places in total. It is based in Ashton Park, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston.

In February 2026, the early years foundation stage took practical form through conversation, number rhymes and shared books. Staff talked through babies' play and introduced mathematical vocabulary during activities, giving children words to describe what they were exploring.

Role-play areas supported familiar experiences, including dressing up and caring for dolls. Children also revisited stories and discussed earlier activities, including a pretend bear hunt. These experiences gave them material for conversation and opportunities to play together.

Independence developed through care routines. In February 2026, babies practised feeding themselves with spoons; children progressing through the rooms served food, poured drinks and managed personal care. Everyday tasks became opportunities to practise useful skills.

Teaching consistency needed attention in February 2026. Some practitioners did not give sufficient guidance on holding scissors or carry activities through as intended. Staff coaching also needed sharper individual targets and closer monitoring, so that training addressed each practitioner's particular needs.

In February 2026, key-person assignments took account of staff shifts and children's attendance, helping familiar adults handle feeding, changing and sleep. Staff gathered information about children's needs before they started. Babies' tiredness prompted a quick response and affectionate support to settle to sleep.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that SEND support included individual packages, outside-agency targets and monitoring, with specialist professionals helping staff prepare for children's feeding and other care needs.

Visual cues and objects helped children understand activities in February 2026. Staff also helped children put frustration into words when sharing resources became difficult, giving them a practical way to express feelings.

Health education had a concrete strand in February 2026: a toothbrushing scheme taught children about dental care, while menus had been adjusted to reduce sugar. Staff demonstrated handwashing too, connecting health messages with familiar routines.

The address is Ashton Park, Pedders Lane, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 1HL. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year and closes on bank holidays.

• Consistency of teaching. February 2026 findings identified uneven guidance during activities and insufficiently precise staff coaching. On a visit, ask how individual training targets now translate into practice across the rooms.
• Baby routines. In February 2026, babies' care followed home routines before gradually adapting as they moved through the nursery. Discuss how your child's feeding and sleep patterns would shape settling in.

For families who value familiar care routines and learning through conversation and everyday tasks, Ashton House merits consideration. The February 2026 picture combines thoughtful practical care with a clear need for more consistent teaching and staff coaching. That balance should guide a visit.