Bee Active Childcare, Mill Hayes

Sensory play, stories and movement shaped the nursery day at its March 2023 inspection. Bee Active Childcare, Mill Hayes caters for children from birth to 30 months at Millhayes Sports Pavillion on Tunstall Road (ST8 7AQ), in Stoke on Trent. Its age range makes baby and toddler care the central consideration for families.

At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. The strongest examples concerned adults joining children's play, encouraging conversation and helping them attempt everyday tasks for themselves. Those examples describe nursery life in March 2023, rather than a current programme of activities.

In March 2023, sensory resources gave staff opportunities to introduce descriptive vocabulary while children explored different textures. Stories, songs and exchanges between adults and children also supported language learning. The emphasis was on conversation during play, with adults responding to what interested each child.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday interactions provide opportunities to develop communication, movement and social skills. In March 2023, the sandpit was used to support children practising pulling themselves upright. Children also tried sweeping spilled sand and collecting balls, making tidying part of learning to do things independently.

World Book Day outfits featured during that March 2023 visit, while parents also came into the nursery to read stories. Exercise sessions involved an outside agency and connected with children's activities. These were concrete ways of bringing books and movement into the nursery day.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that babies responded positively to their key person and that staff shared information with parents to maintain continuity of care. For a family choosing baby care, that connection between home routines and nursery relationships is a useful part of the judgement.

In March 2023, staff updated parents about children's interests and learning, giving families something specific to build on at home. Adults also demonstrated sharing, taking turns and handling equipment safely. The practical emphasis was on showing children what to do, then giving them opportunities to try.

The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas. That closing time matters for families planning the working day and collection arrangements.

In March 2023, the setting provided funded early education for two-year-old children. This is a dated description of its funding provision, rather than a promise of eligibility or a funded place for an individual child.

• Changes between activities. In March 2023, children sometimes became frustrated while waiting for the next activity. During a visit, ask how staff now organise these changes for babies and toddlers.
• A young age range. Care runs from birth to 30 months. Families looking for continuity beyond that age should factor the upper age limit into their childcare plans.

Bee Active Childcare, Mill Hayes suits families seeking baby and toddler care with weekday opening across the year. Its March 2023 examples give the review substance: sensory exploration, shared stories and small steps towards independence. Waiting between activities was an improvement point. In March 2023, managers also recognised that mathematics needed strengthening and were researching suitable staff training. Both points deserve attention alongside those strengths.