Partou Merchant Square Day Nursery and Pre-school in central London has been rated ‘Good’ in areas of activity after an Ofsted inspection.
The official report describes the nursery’s environment as “thoughtfully arranged by staff to engage children to learn through play.” It adds: “Children enjoy a wide range of learning experiences as part of the curriculum.”
The purpose-built setting – conveniently located within the Merchant Square residential and leisure area – provides high-quality, flexible childcare to families in and around Paddington.
Its bright, spacious playrooms are complemented by an exciting garden area with mud kitchens, climbing frames, growing patches and more for the children to explore.
The Ofsted inspector observes that Partou Merchant Square team members “take the time to build positive relationships with children and their parents and carers with a robust settling-in process.” She continues: “Children confidently have choices throughout the day, which helps to build their independence. Staff remind children of their expectations and are responsive to their needs. This helps children to feel safe and secure and have a positive attitude to their learning.”
Team members are also praised for helping children to become effective communicators, including children who speak English as an additional language. “Staff talk to children throughout the day and help to introduce a range of vocabulary,” the inspector explains. “Staff read stories to young children, who listen with intent. This repetition helps children to become familiar with what comes next.”
The setting’s commitment to helping children keep their bodies healthy is highlighted in the report, including through the use of outdoor resources such as tricycles and tyres to build physical strength, together with the serving of well-balanced and nutritious meals.
Based on conversations with families, the Ofsted inspector advises that “parents speak positively of leaders and staff.” She writes: “They appreciate the daily communication and regular updates on their children’s care needs and development. Parents share that staff work closely with them to support milestones, such as toilet training. This helps to support a consistent approach to children’s learning. Staff support children to recognise and regulate their emotions. For example, when children are settling back to nursery, they help children to feel secure in their environment.”
And safeguarding arrangements at the nursery are judged to be “effective” thanks to “an open and positive culture” that “puts children’s interests first.”
Graziela Periera, Partou Merchant Square Nursery Manager, said: “It is a really positive outcome.
“We place a lot of emphasis on developing strong relationships with the children and families, which is clearly recognised by the inspector alongside our overarching commitment to ensuring the children have the best possible start to their learning journey.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “Well done to Graziela and her team who I know will continue to work incredibly hard to build on this achievement.
“At Partou, children lead the way. It is wonderful to read in the Ofsted report the efforts being made at Merchant Square to build the children’s confidence and establish their independence.”
