Clever Bees Nursery

About this day nursery

Clever Bees Nursery, located in Newton Heath, Manchester, is dedicated to building strong foundations for lifelong learning from an early age. The day nursery strives to offer high-quality education and care within an environment that is safe, stimulating, and inclusive.

They categorise their provision into three distinct age groups: "Bumble Bees" for infants and toddlers aged 0-2 years, providing a warm and welcoming start to their early years journey; "Blueberry Bees/Honey Bees" for 2-3-year-olds, where children engage in a variety of activities to enhance learning, including an introduction to risky play to develop risk negotiation skills; and "Buzzing Bees" for 3-5-year-olds, preparing them for primary school with challenging activities and essential life skills. The day nursery places a strong emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, ensuring children receive a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and good hygiene routines, such as daily teeth brushing.

Their educational approach is built upon the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, recognising each child as an individual. They deliver their curriculum through developmentally appropriate play-based activities, adult interaction, and a well-embedded routine.

Each child is assigned a key person who supports their development, helps them settle, and acts as the main point of contact for parents, fostering a secure and responsive environment. The nursery also utilises the "Tapestry" online learning journey, allowing parents to actively participate by adding observations, photos, and videos from home, ensuring a comprehensive record of their child's progress and facilitating strong home-nursery collaboration.

Our ethos

At Clever Bees Nursery, it is our passion to build the foundations for lifelong learning from the very beginning. We strive to ensure that all children receive high-quality education and care within a safe, exciting, and inclusive setting. Our curriculum is designed based on the Early Years Foundation Framework, recognising each child as an individual and delivering our curriculum through developmentally appropriate play-based activities, adult interaction, and a strong embedded routine.

What it's like

The quality of teaching varies across the nursery, meaning experiences for children differ. Older children and babies are nurtured, and staff understand their needs, but toddlers do not always receive consistent support to reach their full potential. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified, but staff are not always confident in delivering support plans. Generally, children enjoy playing with friends, though activities for toddlers are not consistently tailored to individual next steps. Children arrive happily, forming secure relationships with key staff.

Pricing & funding

Clever Bees Nursery offers free funded places for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. They also provide a 15% discount for all new children during their initial six months. The nursery operates with morning and afternoon sessions.