Praise All Around from Ofsted - Busy Bees at Huntingdon Recognised for Warm and Inclusive Care

Busy Bees Nursery at Huntingdon, where children ‘truly thrive’ in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment has been praised by Ofsted in its latest inspection. 

Achieving an ‘Strong Standard’ across all areas, the nursery team was recognised for forming loving and trusting relationships with the children, helping the children feel safe and secure and the ‘confidence to explore, play and learn’.

Located on Kingfisher Way on the Hinchingbrooke Business Park, inspectors highlighted the team’s ‘highly effective key-person’ system, where ‘staff listen attentively to children and respond with genuine care and interest’. Babies are supported to develop their climbing and emerging language skills, while the older children ‘gain confidence in holding meaningful conversations’, resulting in ‘highly confident, articulate and resilient learners’. 

The nursery is led by Ash Fitzgerald, who brings over 12 years of experience, alongside a longstanding team with more than 160 years of combined service, providing trusted high-quality care for families in the community. 

Ash Fitzgerald, Centre Director at Busy Bees at Huntingdon, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved Strong Standard in all areas. This milestone is a true testament to the dedication and passion of our long-serving team who truly understand the needs of the children in our care. Our success is built on the continued support and trust of our families. Every day, we are committed to creating a high-quality environment where children can grow in confidence and feel valued.”

Ofsted applauded the nursery for placing a strong emphasis on wellbeing, with the team working closely with parents to ensure they are aware of any changing needs at home. Staff's ‘calm, sensitive and nurturing approach’ helps give children positive role models to aspire to. Babies gesture for cuddles from their trusted adult, while children settle well and eagerly join in activities. 

Children with special needs and/or disabilities are supported to make ‘excellent progress’ from the beginning, with staff consistently adapting the environment and their teaching to meet children’s individual needs. 

Leaders who deliver the nursery’s ‘ambitious’ Bee Curious curriculum place a strong emphasis on ‘supporting and developing children’s communication and language skills across the whole nursery’. Ofsted recognised the nursery’s commitment to fostering a love of reading through story sessions and opportunities for children to share their own stories. Inspectors also noted the positive encouragement children receive, with staff praising their efforts and providing gentle support to those who may be reluctant to join in. As a result, children build confidence and develop social and language skills to help prepare them for school. 

Parent partnerships were given a special mention, with parents speaking ‘extremely positively’ about the nursery. Leaders and staff encourage families to be part of their children’s nursery life including regular stay-and-play sessions and taking books home to read with their children. 

A parent whose child attends the nursery, said: “The staff have been absolutely fantastic; kind, patient and incredibly supportive. The most important thing to me is that my child is very happy here. I pick him up every day with a smile on his face, which says everything. I feel the Bee Curious curriculum is thoughtfully planned and aligns well with my child’s developmental stages. I’ve seen a really positive impact on his learning and confidence.” 

To find out more about Busy Bees at Huntingdon and to book a visit, please call 0330 333 8133 or click here.  

To view the full report, click here.