‘Warm and caring’ Maidenhead nursery team impresses Ofsted inspector

A Maidenhead nursery where children “feel safe, secure and settle quickly” has achieved “expected standard” across all evaluation areas following an Ofsted inspection.

In the final report, team members at Partou Silchester Manor Day Nursery and Pre-school are complimented for establishing “warm and caring relationships with children.”

It continues: “They provide children with praise and encouragement, which supports their self-confidence. Children visibly relish the company of staff, who act as positive role models as they play alongside them during planned and independent activities.”

Located on Bath Road, between Maidenhead and Bray, the setting’s exceptional indoor and outdoor provision – coupled with a ‘children first’ approach – ensures that it is not only popular within the local community but attracts families from further afield including Ascot, Windsor and Berkshire Village.

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 other key areas: achievement; behaviour, attitudes and routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; and leadership and governance.   

Nurseries meeting “expected standard” are deemed to be “following the standard set out in statutory and non‑statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them.”

In her report, the Ofsted inspector notes that “children develop the key skills they need in readiness for school.”

She writes: “Older children are confident communicators and use a wide range of language as they role play with their peers. Young children develop their coordination skills in the garden as they climb apparatus, navigate obstacle courses and successfully pedal on tricycles. They delight in the warm praise, build their resilience and keep trying.”

Leaders at the nursery “provide a sensitive settling-in process that is tailored to meet the individual needs of all children, particularly babies and those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities,” the inspector observes. “Staff gather important information about children’s routines, health and care needs before they start to help them to settle as quickly as possible into their transition to nursery.”

They are also praised for having “a clear vision for their curriculum” and “high expectations for all children.”  The report explains: “They are proud of their multi-cultural setting and ensure that all children gain a sense of belonging. Leaders are committed to ensuring that all children make continual progress in their learning, no matter what their background or barriers they face.”

After speaking to families as part of the process, the inspector adds, “parents and carers are highly positive in their feedback about the nursery.”

Daniel Graver, Partou Silchester Manor Nursery Manager, said:

“I am immensely proud of my team and the outcome of the inspection.”

“The Ofsted report underlines the professionalism and dedication they bring to the nursery every day, which positively impacts the personal development of the children as they set off on their learning journey.”

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:

“Congratulations to Daniel and the team at Partou Silchester Manor.”

“Alongside the strong bonds formed with the children, the inspector highlights the collaborative work between team members, families and external professionals to enable all children to make the progress they are capable of.”

“These are vital interactions which make such a difference in preparation for school life.”