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Busy Bees Day Nursery at Derby Heatherton

Ofsted: Good
(May 2023)
·
4.4(27 parent reviews)
·Hollybrook Way, Littleover, Derby, DE23 3TZ · Derby
Number of places
109 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Derby

About this day nursery

Busy Bees Day Nursery at Derby Heatherton, established in 1999, provides childcare for children aged 0-4 years. The nursery operates weekdays from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, all year round, closing only for bank holidays.

Rated "Good" by Ofsted on May 19, 2023, the nursery ensures children eagerly arrive, excited to learn and confidently share their ideas. Staff are adept at supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language (EAL), playing alongside them to assess their development and address any learning gaps.

The curriculum is designed to be engaging, with staff planning activities based on children's interests and next steps. For instance, pre-school children enjoy treasure hunts in the garden, proudly explaining the maps they have made and the new skills they have learned.

The nursery fosters an environment where children develop their imagination, learn new vocabulary, practice counting, and show deep concentration, keen to try things for themselves and confidently ask questions. Parents consistently report feeling fully supported and well-communicated with regarding their child's care and development, appreciating the opportunities to join their children in the setting.

What it's like

Children eagerly arrive, excited to learn and confidently share their ideas. They develop their imagination and learn new vocabulary, practicing counting skills and showing deep concentration. Children are keen to try things for themselves and confidently ask questions, reminding friends about safety and health.

Supportive for SEND and EALEngaging outdoor playStrong parent communicationFosters imagination

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Key facts

Opening hours

weekday from 7.30am until 6pm all year round, except for bank holidays

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Busy Bees Day Nursery at Derby Heatherton

Last inspected 19 May 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children eagerly arrive, excited to learn and confidently share their ideas. They develop their imagination and learn new vocabulary, practicing counting skills and showing deep concentration. Children are keen to try things for themselves and confidently ask questions, reminding friends about safety and health.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff know the children and their families well, supporting them effectively with their learning, including those with SEND and EAL.
  • Staff plan engaging activities based on children's interests and next steps, such as treasure hunts in the garden.
  • The manager has undertaken training and supported staff to meet statutory requirements, monitoring the quality of experiences.
  • Parents feel fully supported and communicated with regarding their child's care and development, appreciating opportunities to join in the setting.

Areas to develop

  • 1provide staff with further targeted support that effectively improves the consistency of high-quality teaching when supporting the youngest children in their self-chosen play
  • 2improve how staff share their expectations and provide children with more consistent behaviour support, particularly during the routines of the day
  • 3develop room leaders' ability to guide staff to make best use of the environment available and position themselves to best support all children's learning and development.
Inspection #10269333 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents and carers state they feel fully supported and communicated with on all aspects of their child's care and development needs.

Parents explain how much they appreciate the opportunities staff provide for children.

They talk about how wonderful it is to join them in the setting frequently to see this first hand.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff know the children and their families well. They play alongside children to assess what they know and can do, supporting them with what they need to learn next and addressing any gaps in their learning. This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

Outdoor space

Pre-school children are proud to explain the maps they have made after going on a treasure hunt in the garden and the different skills and knowledge they have learned during this. Staff extend the play further as they discuss hiding the treasure with the children and how they could continue the play later in the day.

Parent Reviews of Busy Bees Day Nursery at Derby Heatherton

4.4
(27)
Isobel Mellor
a year ago

Since my child has joined the nursery, he has been very happy, we have received excellent care! The staff in the nursery really care about my boy and I have felt supported. They have help put my mind at ease and made the process easier as anxious mum.

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Rupinder Maila
a year ago

Enrolling My daughter at Busy Bee was a fantastic choice! Taking that first step to entrust your child to others, especially when going back to work, can be challenging. It’s completely natural to feel hesitant and to wonder if they’ll be well cared for. But seeing Samaira blossom—becoming confident, communicating her needs, and learning so much at such a young age it is incredibly reassuring. The positive impact of staff, who go above and beyond, speaks volumes. They’ve not only helped her grow and learn but have also provided me with peace of mind and confidence in her care. My gratitude shines through, and it’s clear that this nursery has made a lasting impact on us. “Thank you” may feel small, but my heartfelt words express so much. Samaira is lucky to have such a supportive environment and a loving, attentive staff at Busy Bee.

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Samantha Mitchell
a year ago

My son has attended this setting since he was 2 years old, staff have always been supportive and proactive in helping him along his SEN journey. I have always felt comfortable to air my concerns and praises. I couldn’t ask for more support for him and I will be sad to see the safety net of professionals who see and understand him go when we go to school.

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Charlotte Hewitt
3 years ago

Theodore has loved being at Busy Bees since day one. The staff are fabulous at meeting his needs and keeping a standard of care that I would expect at home. Seeing Theo smile at his key workers each morning makes me feel confident that he is being well looked after and is building bonds with the nursery staff. The staff are always helpful and easy to talk to whenever and the manager goes above and beyond for the children and families attending the nursery.

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Lucy Hudson
3 years ago

After visiting other nurseries in the area there was no question about where my child would go. Unique needs have always been met and nothing is ever too much trouble, he has strong bonds with his keyperson and all staff in PresSchool since joining and they have helped him to develop and thrive. Pre-school offers exciting activities every day and there are lots of wonderful resources to help keep him engrossed. The outside area is also absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to hear lots of feedback each evening. I can't praise Emma the manager enough and the rest of the senior team for their confidence, reassurance and professionalism. They are all absolutely fabulous at what they do. Meals are all freshly prepared and there's a huge variety on the menu too which are fantastic!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Busy Bees Day Nursery at Derby Heatherton. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2023

Date: February 2010

  • May 2023Good
  • November 2022Inadequate
  • February 2017Good
  • April 2013Good
  • February 2010Good

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