About our Nursery

Busy Bees at Rothamsted Lodge is situated in the rural area of Harpenden, with easy access to the M1. The nursery has extensive gardens where the children can enjoy the outside environment in a secure setting. The outdoor facilities and equipment provide all the children with space to explore whilst advancing their physical development. 
 
The nursery is set on two floors, the ground floor caters for under 2’s, with a new baby unit providing a stimulating environment for the under 1’s. All of the children have the chance to join in with a variety of different activities from a young age. Our under 2's enjoy messy play and a variety of art activities.

Our large garden is spacious and welcoming. The children can play on the climbing frames, scooters and bicycles, with balls and hoops, and in the Wendy House, where children can play in the outdoor cafe, interacting with staff and other children. The grassy area is a great place for children to take part in 'circle time', and have outdoor picnics in the summer. We also have a special garden where children can plant flowers, vegetables and herbs, look after them and watch them grow throughout the year. We have also created a purpose-built baby garden for the children to enjoy, with no-mow grass, and equipment that is tailored to children aged 3 to 12 months. In the summer months we have tea parties and picnics outdoors, as we have gazebos in each of our gardens.

The over 2's also participate in messy and art activities, but have the pleasure of contributing to music, French and sports lessons, taken by outside professional teachers. The toddler room provides an excellent environment to explore and to take part in the exciting planned activities, following the Birth to Three Matters curriculum.

The second floor contains the under 3’s group and the pre-school rooms, where a strong framework is used to encourage and develop children’s independent skills. The pre-school unit has it's own qualified teacher 3 days a week, and the foundation stage is followed to encourage freedom of choice and prepare the children for their transition into school. 

The professional cook serves a fantastic selection of fresh food, also catering for children with special dietary requirements. The staff at Busy Bees at Rothamsted Lodge take the care and safety of the      children very seriously. They work hard to create a fun, stimulating and enjoyable experience at the nursery, and always strive to ensure that our high standards are maintained.

Opening Times

Annual Holidays

Activities Noticeboard

The activities offered at Busy Bees at Rothamsted Lodge include hand painting, collage making and clay modelling. The children also take part in 'Messy' play which includes sand, water, jelly and cornflour play. Imaginative play, cooking activities and physical play are encouraged.

The children in the pre-school room take part in 'Teaching Time' which links with the Early Learning Goals. The activities include maths activities and multi-cultural topics. 
The children throughout the nursery all take part in 'Garden Time' on a daily basis, which allows them to enjoy the outdoors, and promotes physical play.

French teacher visits on a weekly basis
‘Stretch and Grow’ every Wednesday for the 3 – 5 year olds
‘Tiny Mites’ every other Friday morning
‘Mad Science’ once a month for the pre-school children.
‘Bee Active’ which is football coaching for the under 5's
Qualified teacher for the pre-school groups

OFSTED

Our Day nursery facilities are registered with the Department of Education and Employment DfES) to accept grants for Early Years education for children aged three and four and activities are geared to meet the requirements of Ofsted incorporating the Early Learning Goals.

Activities also take into consideration all aspects of the National Curriculum Key Stage One.

Children are given every opportunity to make their own choices with encouragement and help from staff and parents.

You can check the latest Ofsted reports here

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk