Children, families and team members at Partou Stonehouse Nursery and Pre-school in Leyland have taken part in special ‘stay and play’ Valentine’s Tea event themed on the setting’s ethos of care, compassion and community.
“At Partou Stonehouse, our celebrations such as Valentine’s Day are thoughtfully planned to support children’s learning and development through the early years foundation stage,” Rebecca Bradbury, the nursery’s Senior Deputy Manager, explained. “Our Valentines ‘stay and play’ is not only about crafts and cards, but also an opportunity to nurture emotional wellbeing, communication skills and a strong sense of belonging for both children and families.”
Rebecca said particular emphasis is placed on nurturing relationships and fostering a supportive environment where children develop empathy, confidence and a sense of belonging.
She continued: “Our Valentine’s Tea event – which we called ‘Little Love Bugs’ – was designed to reflect our belief that children learn best through child‑led exploration and meaningful social experiences, allowing them to express themselves creatively while practising important social skills.”
Rebecca added: “By bringing families and children together at Partou Stonehouse, we seek to further our mission to promote inclusivity and positive personal development, preparing children to care for themselves, each other and the wider world.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, agreed that welcoming families into the setting strengthens partnerships between home and nursery life.
“Children feel secure when they see important adults sharing in their learning experiences, helping them to feel valued and part of the community,” she said. “This sense of belonging supports emotional security, which is essential for successful learning.”
Samantha congratulated Rebecca and the team at Partou Stonehouse for putting together such a heart-warming Valentine’s Tea event.
“These activities provide a natural opportunity to explore feelings such as kindness, friendship, love and care,” she commented.
Set in a former school building, Partou Stonehouse features spacious playrooms together with one of the largest outdoor nursery activity areas in the North West.
It is also a nature-inspired nursery which has created a ‘home-from-home’ experience to support children’s development and growth, whilst encouraging them to have fun and be curious about the world around them.
Team members recently sought the views of families on their experiences on the nursery.
One parent said: “My daughter looks forward to coming to nursery and loves it. I have a good relationship with the staff and couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Another observed: “My favourite thing about the nursery is the excellent communication with the families.”
A third noted: “We love all the different areas available for the children of all ages. Plus, the staff are lovely too!”
