Team members at Partou Parbold Day Nursery and Pre-School in West Lancashire have been described as “excellent role models” by Ofsted following an inspection, with the official report adding, “as a result, children behave extremely well and have a clear sense of belonging.”
Ofsted recently changed the way early years settings are graded, replacing the previous single-word judgement with a renewed framework that focuses on safeguarding and a broad range of evaluation areas: inclusion; curriculum and teaching; achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; and leadership and governance.
Safeguarding standards at Partou Parbold were deemed to be ‘met’ with the setting achieving ‘strong standard’ for behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, and ‘expected standard’ across all other evaluation areas.
In the report, the Ofsted inspector notes that “children have consistently positive attitudes to learning, and with the ongoing support and expectations of staff, they show high levels of perseverance.”
Leaders at the setting are praised for embedding “a positive environment where children thrive.” The inspector writes: “They act swiftly in collaboration with parents to support them as needed. This supports children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those who face barriers to learning, to establish a solid foundation for regular attendance as children move on to school.”
Strong relationships between team members and families are highlighted in the report. “Parents are well informed and well supported by leaders to continue their children’s learning and development,” it observes. “Parents share their gratitude for the ongoing support that leaders provide. This further secures partnerships, enabling children to achieve and thrive.”
Links established by leaders at Partou Parbold with the local community are also singled out for praise. “They reach out to local schools to support transition for those children who are reaching the end of their journey with them,” the inspector comments. “This ensures that children have the best possible start to school. Leaders show a willingness in securing excellent outcomes for children in their care.”
The report concludes: “Children thrive in a nurturing environment, where they feel valued and supported. Children build secure relationships with staff. As a result, they demonstrate a clear sense of belonging and are confident young learners.”
Partou Parbold is a small setting nestled in beautiful natural surroundings in the village of Parbold. The former Nature Trail Group nursery is built on the principle of providing a home-from-home feel, where children feel settled, secure and confident enough to explore, learn and develop at their own pace. The setting has direct access to a forest school, where children spend regular time outdoors developing independence, building problem-solving skills, and forging a genuine connection with nature.
Elizabeth Dillon, Partou Parbold Nursery Manager, said: “I am proud of my team and delighted that the work we are doing to provide the best possible learning environment for the children has been recognised in the report. “We work closely with the families and external professionals to ensure each child can access activities that meet their specific needs, an approach which is positively highlighted by the inspector.”
Sam Sleeman-Boss, Partou Head of Early Years, said: “Partou Parbold holds a special place in the heart of the local community. “Elizabeth and her dedicated team do a fantastic job in supporting children as they grow, develop and build the skills they need for the future.”
