Our Approach

The curiosity approach
and why it works

We've moved away from institutional early years education. Children don't learn best from worksheets and rigid routines. They learn by exploring, questioning, and following their natural interests in an environment that feels like home.

Core Principles

How we teach and care

01

Home-like, not institutional

Our rooms don't look like classrooms. They look like living spaces where children feel comfortable and safe. Natural materials, soft lighting, spaces to retreat to when overwhelmed. This matters especially for children with additional needs who can struggle in harsh, overstimulating environments.

02

Child-led learning

We watch what interests each child, then build learning around that. If a child is fascinated by water, we create experiences around water. If they're drawn to texture, we give them materials to explore. Learning happens when children are genuinely engaged, not when they're forced through someone else's plan.

03

Specialist SEN support

Our three nurture rooms provide different levels of support for children with additional needs. Lower ratios. Individualised approaches. Staff trained to understand sensory needs, communication differences, and behavioural support. Our SEN Lead Kellee coordinates referrals to outside agencies—always with parental consent—and works with families to create plans that actually fit each child.

04

Sustainability in practice

Children grow vegetables and herbs in our award-winning garden, then help turn them into meals through our cooking sessions. They learn about waste and recycling by doing it, not just hearing about it. It's hands-on education that connects them to where food comes from and how to care for their environment.

05

Parent involvement

Parents aren't just dropping children off. They're growing vegetables with their kids through Growing with Sarah, learning to cook together with Cooking with Noreen, and joining BEE Active movement sessions. When families are involved, children make better progress. Various Parent/Carers Stay and Play Sessions run throughout the year.

Gallery

See the spaces in action

Our calm and nurturing baby room

Baby Room

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Testimonials

What parents tell us

“The curiosity approach has completely changed our daughter. She used to be so shy, but now she leads her own little projects at the nursery. She's a different child.”
R
Rachel D.
Parent
“Our son has autism and struggled everywhere else. At Busy Bugs, the nurture room staff understand exactly what he needs. He's made more progress in 6 months than in 2 years elsewhere.”
D
David L.
Parent of SEN child
FAQ

Common questions

What ages do you take?
From birth to school age. Working parent funding is now available from 9 months.
How do you support children with SEN?
We have three dedicated nurture rooms with specialist staff and lower ratios. We have 2 qualified SENCOs and a dedicated SEN family support officer. Our SEN Lead Kellee coordinates referrals to outside agencies—always with parental consent. We work with families to create individual support plans and coordinate with any external professionals involved in your child's care.
What's the curiosity approach in practice?
It means we follow children's interests rather than imposing a fixed curriculum. We create a home-like environment with natural materials and opportunities for open-ended exploration. Children learn through doing, not through being instructed.
What are your staff ratios?
We meet the legal requirements in our mainstream rooms, but in our nurture rooms we have additional staff available to ensure every child gets proper attention.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Absolutely. We encourage it. You need to see the environment and meet the staff to understand whether we're right for your child.
What if my child has additional needs but no formal diagnosis?
You don't need a formal diagnosis. Our SEN Lead Kellee and our qualified SEN staff observe and identify needs early. We make relevant referrals to outside agencies—always with parents' consent—and support your child while any assessments are underway. Many of our SEN children didn't have formal diagnoses when they started with us.

Come and see how we work

The approach makes sense when you see it in action. Pop in and watch how children interact with the space and the staff.

Walk-ins are welcome — no appointment needed.

Get in Touch