Bee Curious, Busy Bees’ innovative curriculum, has risen to the occasion by becoming the UK’s only independently evaluated early years curriculum.
Published: 15/01/2025
In the rapidly changing field of early childhood education, finding the right balance between playtime and development is essential. Whilst playtime is important for creativity and joy, so is ensuring that children build a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Bee Curious, Busy Bees’ innovative curriculum, has risen to the occasion by becoming the UK’s only independently evaluated early years curriculum. This distinction follows a comprehensive review by Dr Jackie Musgrave, Associate Head of School at the Open University’s School of Education, Childhood, Youth, and Sport (ECYS). Here’s what makes Bee Curious truly stand out.
At the heart of Bee Curious is a commitment to recognising the uniqueness of every child. The Open University’s evaluation highlights this flexibility, describing the curriculum as “a very well-designed curriculum which gives scope to be implemented flexibly to meet the individual needs of children.” This adaptability ensures that educators can tailor their teaching to suit each child’s developmental stage, interests, and abilities, fostering an environment where every child can thrive.
Bee Curious is rooted in contemporary scientific research on early years education, including insights from Oxford University’s Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) project. These principles emphasise the importance of progression models, positive key person-child relationships, and understanding each child deeply. By integrating these findings, Bee Curious goes beyond the standard Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to offer a curriculum that is both evidence-based and practical.
While the EYFS framework sets the standard for early years education in the UK, it leaves room for interpretation in implementation. Bee Curious addresses this gap by providing clear, actionable guidance that removes uncertainty for educators. This clarity not only ensures compliance but elevates the quality of education delivered.
The success of any curriculum depends heavily on the educators implementing it. The Open University’s report praises Busy Bees’ comprehensive approach to supporting educators through training, mentorship, and easy-to-use tools. By equipping educators with the resources they need, Bee Curious ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality education but also the professional growth of its teachers.
The evaluation underscores the curriculum’s tangible benefits for young learners. Educators involved in the Bee Curious pilot reported observing significant positive impacts on the development and learning of babies and children. These findings reinforce the curriculum’s role in setting a strong foundation for children to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally as they grow.
As Bee Curious continues to roll out nationwide, its independent evaluation by the Open University serves as both a validation of its approach and a roadmap for ongoing improvement. Busy Bees remains committed to refining the curriculum and supporting its educators, ensuring that every child benefits from the best start in life.
By choosing Bee Curious, families can trust that their children are experiencing an early years curriculum that stands apart in its rigor, adaptability, and impact. The independent evaluation by the Open University cements its place as a leader in early childhood education, and its focus on the individuality of each child ensures that the journey of learning is as unique as the children themselves.