Leaders at Partou Westfields Day Nursery and Pre-school in Cheltenham have been praised by Ofsted for developing “a broad curriculum that promotes children’s communication, physical development, independence and wider learning across the early years foundation stage.”
Following an inspection, the official report adds: “Children enjoy their time at the setting. Staff welcome them into warm and nurturing rooms, where they form positive relationships.”
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 Westfields were deemed to be ‘met’ with the setting achieving ‘strong standard’ for inclusion, and ‘expected standard’ across all other evaluation areas.
The Ofsted inspector observes that leaders at the nursery “consistently identify children’s needs early and work effectively with staff, parents and carers and external professionals to reduce barriers to learning. Inclusive practice is embedded across the setting.”
The report continues: “Parents value the support they receive and describe improvements in communication and guidance. They note that staff explain strategies clearly and involve them closely in decision-making.”
It adds: “Children who face additional difficulties are included in all aspects of the setting through thoughtful adaptations, such as flexible activities, targeted adult support and responsive planning. As a result, inclusive practice is consistent and children benefit from a setting where their uniqueness is recognised and celebrated.”
The nursery’s approach to welfare and wellbeing is also highlighted by the inspector, who writes: “Staff respond promptly when children need comfort or reassurance. They check on children’s safety and wellbeing during play.”
Located on Leckhampton Road, Partou Westfields provides a safe and secure home-from-home environment for early learners.
Inside, each room is designed to spark children’s imagination, with team members delivering activities carefully tailored around the unique needs and interests of each child.
Outside, its adventurous tree-lined garden with sandpits, climbing frames and dens is ideal for children to develop essential physical, social and emotional skills as well as simply have fun.
Lily Fairs, Partou Westfields Nursery Manager, said: “We welcome the outcome and are particularly pleased to achieve ‘strong standard’ for inclusion
“As the inspector points out, the team works closely with families to ensure that children who face additional difficulties are included in all aspects of nursery life, with uniqueness recognised and celebrated.
“It is terrific to see that this approach has been positively highlighted by Ofsted.”
Sam Sleeman-Boss, Partou Head of Early Years, said: “It is an impressive report which reflects the hard work, dedication and professionalism of Lily and her team at Partou Westfields.
“The quality of teaching, commitment to inclusion and strong bonds with the children feature prominently in the inspector’s comments.”
