Haywards Heath nursery celebrates third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating after report praises team’s enthusiasm
A team at a Haywards Heath nursery is celebrating after the nursery received its third ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating in a row.
Ofsted awarded Busy Bees Nursery in Southdowns Park ‘Outstanding’ ratings in all areas following its latest inspection on September 5, 2025. These areas were: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and overall effectiveness at previous inspection.
The nursery’s other ‘Outstanding’ ratings were for the inspections on June 2, 2016, and December 16, 2019.
Centre director Natalie Agnew said: “Our team is deeply committed to creating supportive, nurturing environments where children are encouraged to grow in confidence and independence.
“This Ofsted result reflects our unwavering dedication to understanding each child’s individual needs and building meaningful relationships with our children and families. We’re excited to continue creating joyful enriching experiences that give every child in our care the best start in life.”
The nursery said Natalie started with Busy Bees 17 years ago as an apprentice, and said her team members have more 60 years of combined early years experience.
The Oftsed report, which can be viewed at reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY486759, described Natalie and her leadership team as a ‘significant strength’, commending them for their passion and enthusiasm.
The report said: “Children thrive in this inviting nursery. They access activities and routines that are precisely planned to promote a strong sense of belonging and self. Leaders understand that the nursery is children’s first place outside of the home. They set up the environment to make it feel cosy, homely and familiar.”
It said staff ‘very successfully encourage children’s independence skills through all routines and activities’ and said staff know the children ‘exceptionally well’. It described them as ‘proactive in encouraging families to come into the setting to enhance children’s enjoyment and knowledge’.
The report added: “Staff also support children’s feelings with warmth, encouragement and explanations about the changes. This boosts children’s confidence and helps them to regulate their emotions.”
It also praised the staff for having high expectations of the children, saying that the kids are ‘very happy’ and form ‘strong, positive relationships with each other and with staff’.
Busy Bees provides early years education for up to 75 children aged three months to five years. It also provides NHS accredited menus with meals freshly prepared every day on-site by the nursery’s chef. Visit www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/haywardsheath to find out more.