Busy Bees Day Nursery at Gillingham

About this day nursery

Busy Bees Day Nursery at Gillingham, established in 2002, provides a nurturing childcare setting for children aged 0-4 years. Open from Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, for most of the year, this nursery operates all-year round.

The latest Ofsted inspection, on 18th February 2025, rated the nursery as 'Good' in all areas. Children at Busy Bees are described as happy and secure, forming close relationships with their key person.

The nursery implements a recently introduced curriculum with a 'small steps' approach, carefully planning targets as children progress through the nursery, supporting them to build on their existing knowledge and skills. This includes helping younger children develop independence by feeding themselves, moving towards using knives and forks in the pre-school rooms.

Staff are dedicated to meeting children's emotional needs, both when they start and when they move on to school, using initiatives like special bags with recording equipment for parents to record messages and songs, and inviting former pupils to speak to children transitioning to school. The nursery also makes good provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with regular assessments, close progress monitoring, and timely referrals to outside agencies for additional support.

Children enjoy daily outdoor play, with older children benefiting from a well-planned environment that encourages exploration and physical challenges, though improvements are needed for younger children's outdoor engagement. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the care and education their children receive.

What it's like

Children are happy and secure in this nurturing nursery. They have built close relationships with their key person. Leaders have recently implemented a new curriculum, using a 'small steps' approach to plan appropriate targets as children move through the nursery, helping them build on what they know and can do. Staff work hard to meet children's emotional needs when they start and leave the nursery.