‘Happy and welcoming’ nursery impresses Ofsted

In her final report, the inspector observes: “Children spend much of their time laughing, giggling and having fun at this happy and welcoming nursery.”

Set in a rural Georgian mansion a mile from the town centre, Partou Langley Gorse offers the benefits of a countryside location whilst being easy to reach for local parents.

Inside, its age-specific rooms are filled with natural resources that spark children’s imaginations.

Outside, its three acres of private land feature nature trails, climbing frames, sensory gardens and more to explore.

The Ofsted inspector notes that the children receive “warm and friendly greetings from staff as soon as they arrive,” with new children settling “very quickly.” She continues: “Staff spend time with parents and gather detailed information. This helps them to build on children's emotional security and learning from the start.”

Partou Langley Gorse team members in the baby room are described as “extremely caring and nurturing” with the children forming “close bonds with them” as a result.

The inspector writes: “Children benefit from a wide range of activities and experiences, both indoors and in the vast outdoor area. They are consistently engaged in exciting and interesting play and learning opportunities.”

She adds: “Children demonstrate a strong sense of self and belonging at nursery.”

The setting’s leadership structure is judged to be “strong” with new team members benefitting from “a thorough induction and training period to help prepare them for their role.” This, according to the report, “helps to enhance outcomes for children.”

Partnerships with families are viewed as a “a key strength” of the nursery. “The feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive,” the inspector explains. “Parents say they trust staff wholeheartedly with the care of their children. They comment that the nursery is 'exceptional' and 'amazing' and that their children are thriving.”

She continues: “Parents appreciate the various methods staff use to keep them informed, including parents' evenings, workshops and regular electronic communication. Staff talk to parents at drop off and collection times to share further information about their child's day. This helps to establish good continuity of care and a shared approach to care and learning.”

And the arrangements for safeguarding are deemed to be “effective,” thanks to “an open and positive culture” that “puts children's interests first.”

Commenting on the report, Holly Edwards, Partou Langley Gorse Nursery Manager, said: “I am so pleased for my team who have worked incredibly hard to be awarded such a positive assessment from Osted.

“The strong personal relationships established with the children and their families have been singled out for particular praise, which underlines the high standards of professionalism at the setting.

“Our nursery is a special place with outdoor experiences at the heart of our everyday activities, alongside indoor teaching as the children set off on their learning journey.”

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, added: “Congratulations to Holly and her team on their achievement.

“They are deeply committed to making every day at Partou Langley Gorse one that is full of fun and packed with opportunities for the children to develop new skills.”