Partou Lancaster Avenue Day Nursery & Pre-School has been rated “Good” across all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection.
During the visit on December 4, 2024, inspectors found that children arrive happily each day and feel safe in the care of staff who know them well.
The nursery was described as a “welcoming and inclusive” space where children are encouraged to be independent and develop confidence in their abilities.
Inspectors noted that children’s work is displayed at their level and family photos are placed around the rooms to create a “strong sense of belonging.”
The report highlighted the nursery’s well-planned activities, designed to support children’s learning and development.
Inspectors observed children concentrating as they hammered small pins into wooden farm animals and practised using scissors to cut out magazine pictures.
Staff were praised for promoting independence, with children encouraged to self-serve meals, wash their hands, and manage their own belongings.
Inspectors said these routines help children develop “essential life skills from an early age.”
Children’s behaviour was described as “impressive,” with staff acting as positive role models and setting high expectations.
Inspectors noted that staff “speak to the children in kind, warm tones” and help them resolve conflicts by offering possible solutions.
One child was seen smiling with pride after successfully using their problem-solving skills to settle a disagreement.
Parents were full of praise for the nursery, describing staff as “kind and attentive.”
Many spoke about how their children had grown in confidence and independence since attending, with one parent saying their child “eagerly runs in for breakfast every morning.”
Physical development is also a key focus. Inspectors observed children enjoying outdoor play, noting that “children enjoy rolling plastic hoops down the hill in the garden.
They run after the hoops, collect them and run back up the hill The nursery was commended for allowing children to take age-appropriate risks while ensuring their safety.
Inspectors observed that “children spend long periods of time practising how to use balance bicycles and pedal bicycles” and that “staff teach children how to slow down and stop at a safe distance.”
While the nursery received glowing feedback, Ofsted suggested some areas for improvement.
Inspectors found that some staff could do more to extend children’s language skills during focused activities.
They also noted that daily routines, such as nappy changes, sometimes interrupted children’s play and learning.
Despite these minor areas for development, the report praised the nursery’s leadership and staff for creating a safe and engaging environment.
Inspectors concluded that: “Children thrive in this setting. They are happy, motivated to learn, and supported by staff who genuinely care about their well-being.”
Manager Jonelle Jacob said: “I’m really pleased at the outcome of the inspection and pay tribute to the Partou Lancaster Avenue team for their work in creating our ‘welcoming environment’ as identified in the Ofsted report.
“It’s important to provide the children with a ‘home away from home’ experience, which is why we have sought to build such strong partnerships with families across the setting.
“We’re proud of the judgement reached and will continue to do all we can to raise standards even higher into the future.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “I warmly commend Jonelle and her team for the quality of experience they provide to the families, as detailed in such an impressive report.
“At all our settings, the children lead the way with team members there to nurture their emerging abilities and encourage them to seize each fun-packed day.
“The Partou Lancaster Avenue team are doing an excellent job in fulfilling that role.”
