‘Inclusive’ Slough nursery impresses Ofsted

Partou Cherry Tree Day Nursery & Pre-school, where children “receive warm welcomes from the staff as they arrive with huge smiles” has been praised by Ofsted.

In the final report, the inspectors describe the “inclusive approach” adopted by leaders and team members at Partou Cherry Trees Day Nursery and Pre-school as a “key strength of this setting.”   

They add: “Individual plans for children who face barriers to their learning are carefully tailored to meet their specific needs. The rapid progress made by these children to meet their needs is underpinned by the successful partnership between leaders, staff, parents and external professionals.”   

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 Cherry Trees were deemed to be ‘met’ with the setting achieving ‘strong standard’ for inclusion and ‘expected standard’ across all other evaluation areas.

The inspectors highlight the “clear and accurate overview of the effectiveness of the provision for children who face barriers to their learning” achieved by “knowledgeable leaders” at the setting. 

They write: “Leaders ensure staff access targeted training that equips them well for their role in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff swiftly identify gaps in children’s development through effective screening tools, regular assessments and ongoing monitoring. They work closely with families to use additional early years funding purposefully, to securely meet children’s individual needs and support their family circumstances.”

The Ofsted report notes that children “make positive progress in their personal, social and emotional development, alongside their physical skills.”

Bonds between team members and children are said to be “positive.” The report observes: “As a result, children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, listen and respond appropriately to staff’s expectations.”  It continues: “Staff model positive behaviour and regularly praise children’s efforts and achievements. This helps children to make appropriate choices and encourages them to persevere and try their best.”

And the close partnership working between the Partou Cherry Trees team and families is judged to be “highly successful for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”  

The inspectors add: “Leaders support parents to develop an understanding of their children’s needs and share strategies to promote learning at home. Individual plans are regularly reviewed and adapted as these children achieve their targets, ensuring continued progress.”

Located on the Slough Trading Estate, Partou Cherry Trees is a purpose-built day nursery and pre-school serving families who live or work nearby.

The recently refurbished setting offers state-of-the-art indoor resources including sensory rooms and nursery gyms, together with an exciting outdoor environment where children can develop their physical and social skills.

Ravneet Uppal, Partou Cherry Trees Nursery Manager, said:

“We welcome the report, especially the positive comments about our work on inclusion which has been graded as ‘strong standard.’

“I am proud to lead a highly qualified team of early years practitioners who are experts in children’s learning and provide an exciting experience that reflects the individual needs and interests of every child.

“This really shines through in the words of the Ofsted inspectors.”    

Kirsty Jackson, our Co-Managing Director, said:

“Ravneet and the team take a thoughtful, professional approach to making sure every child’s learning is shaped around their individual needs.

“The strong relationships they build with families are making a real difference to children’s development.”

Come and see for yourself

If you are looking for a warm and nurturing nursery in Slough where children feel they belong and are supported to thrive, we’d love to welcome you to Partou Cherry Trees Day Nursery & Pre-school!