A Bishop’s Stortford nursery where children “benefit from a calm, welcoming and nurturing environment, which promotes their wellbeing and welfare,” has been praised by Ofsted following an inspection.
In her final report on Partou Sycamore House Day Nursery and Pre-school, the inspector writes: “Staff and leaders know children well. Children feel safe and secure. They arrive happy and seek out their key worker ready to start their day. Staff use their detailed knowledge of each child to support them to recognise, express and manage their emotions and to develop a secure sense of emotional wellbeing.”
Ofsted recently changed the way early years settings are graded, replacing the previous single-word judgements with a new framework that focuses on safeguarding and six additional evaluation areas: inclusion; curriculum and teaching; achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; and leadership and governance.
Nurseries achieving ‘strong standard’ for specific evaluation areas are deemed to be ‘working above the standard expected of them.’ Partou Sycamore House met ‘strong standard’ for children’s welfare and wellbeing, with all other areas judged as ‘expected standard.’
The inspector notes that children “settle quickly into their learning” and “remain engaged in activities for prolonged periods and contribute confidently, sharing their thoughts and ideas. All children develop as curious and motivated learners.”
Her report describes Partou Sycamore House leaders and team members as having “high expectations for children’s behaviour.” She adds: “Staff offer lots of praise and reassurance, which helps to build children’s self-esteem. Children feel safe and secure to explore and engage in learning. They happily join in with activities, showing increasing independence and willingness to have a go and explore.”
Leaders are commended for their success in implementing “effective systems” to identify disadvantaged and vulnerable children who may require help to improve their learning. She observes: “The swift action taken ensures that all children continue to make progress in their learning and development.”
And, following conversations with families as part of the evaluation process, the Ofsted inspector states that “parents have overwhelming praise” for the ongoing improvements at the setting, adding: “They comment on the effective communication they receive and the relationships children build with their key workers.”
Located a short distance from Bishop’s Stortford town centre and railway station, Partou Sycamore House offers large playrooms filled with resources from musical instruments to authentic toys, designed to awaken creativity within children and develop key skills. The nursery’s well-used outdoor area also provides space for children to explore and grow their own flowers, plants and vegetables.
Responding to the Ofsted report, Kerry Braulik, Partou Sycamore House Nursery Manager, said: “It is a really positive report which accurately conveys the culture of trust, learning and fun we have worked hard to establish.
“We liaise closely with the families to gather information about each child before they start nursery.
“This helps children to develop strong personal relationships with their key workers from the outset, enabling them to feel at ease and ready to make progress at such a crucial stage of their development.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “Congratulations to Kerry and her team.
“Their dedication and professionalism across all evaluation areas have clearly impressed the Ofsted inspector.
“The attention to detail is also a standout feature of the report, alongside the upbeat and warm atmosphere which makes Partou Sycamore House such an enjoyable setting for the children to arrive each day.”
