Partou Thornbury Day Nursery and Pre-School has been praised by Ofsted for providing children with “a nurturing environment, where staff prioritise their wellbeing throughout the day.” The official report, following an inspection, adds: “Staff build warm and trusting relationships with children, helping them to feel safe, confident and ready to explore.”
Set in a former school building, Partou Thornbury provides high-quality early years care and education to families in Thornbury, Morton, Alveston and surrounding areas of South Gloucestershire.
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 Thornbury were deemed to be ‘met’ with the nursery achieving ‘expected standard’ in all six key evaluation areas, recognising that the team are delivering consistently high-quality childcare and education.
The inspector states that children “enjoy their time at the nursery and settle quickly into familiar routines.” The report continues: “They receive a warm welcome from staff, who know them well and help them to feel secure from the moment they arrive. Across rooms, children show confidence in exploring activities and demonstrate positive relationships with staff and their peers. They play cooperatively, share resources and learn to take turns, supported by staff who model calm and respectful interactions.”
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are deemed to be “included well,” with team members adapting activities so all children can participate alongside their peers.
The inspector writes: “Children feel safe and cared for. They move smoothly between indoor and outdoor areas, supported by routines they understand. They show positive attitudes to learning and respond well to staff guidance. When children need help managing emotions, staff offer reassurance and help them express how they feel.”
And, according to Ofsted, Partou Thornbury families are “welcomed and valued.” The report notes: “Parents describe the nursery as friendly and supportive and say communication between home and nursery helps children feel a sense of belonging,” adding, “children thrive in an environment where they are known as individuals and where their uniqueness is recognised and supported.”
The setting has separate nursery and pre-school buildings, each with spacious playrooms and extensive educational resources tailored to support children’s development at every age. The nursery also features an adventure-filled outdoor garden and an impressive soft-play area that supports physical development.
Clare, Partou Thornbury Nursery Manager, said: “We are delighted to achieve ‘expected standard’ in all areas and to read the many positive comments about the setting from the Ofsted inspector.
“Ensuring every child is fully engaged in learning activities throughout the day is a vital element of our approach at Partou Thornbury.
“It is satisfying to see that this has been highlighted in the report.”
Sam Sleeman-Boss, Partou Head of Early Years, said: “Congratulations to Clare and the team on their success.
“It is fantastic that the work to celebrate the individuality of each child is recognised and praised in the report.”
