Why does my child eat so well at nursery?
Many families are surprised to find their child eats more adventurously at nursery than at home. Here’s how we approach mealtimes at Partou, and what might help at home too.
News & blogs
South Croydon nursery marks World Art Day with creative exhibition
Partou Gingerbread House in South Croydon celebrated World Art Day with a colourful exhibition, showcasing babies’ and children’s creativity through hands-on, expressive art activities.
Early years nutrition: What children need at every stage
The early years are a crucial window for building a healthy relationship with food, and what children eat between birth and five shapes habits that last a lifetime. At Partou, expertise and evidence sit behind every meal, so here’s what good early years nutrition looks like in practice.
Partou to employ 50 new apprentices thanks to Aldi UK
Partou will recruit 50 new apprentices following a major apprenticeship levy gifting agreement with Aldi UK, helping to create new pathways into early years careers across our nurseries.
Partou launches vibrant new menus for spring and summer months
Discover Partou’s fresh spring and summer menus, created with our Chef Academy apprentices and nutrition expert Laura Matthews to bring vibrant, balanced meals to little learners.
How we create our nursery menus — and why it matters
Food and nutrition are an important part of Partou nursery life. Learn how we develop our menus using expert knowledge and DfE guidance and how we support children to make mealtimes enjoyable.
Partou announces appointment of former Ofsted leader to senior position
We are delighted to announce that former Ofsted leader, Sam Sleeman-Boss, joins us as Head of Early Years, bringing extensive sector expertise and a strong focus on quality, inclusion and practice.
Partou delivers Easter cheer for Manchester children
Partou team members donated Easter gifts to children in Manchester, continuing their support for Home‑Start Manchester and families facing challenging circumstances. Find out more about the initiative.
Partou Stonehouse supports charity with flying colours
Children and team members at Partou Stonehouse held a vibrant Colour Run to raise money for UNICEF, combining fun, learning and physical activity. Find out more about the day.
June 4th, 2026
Separation anxiety in children: How to support your child at home and at nursery
Separation anxiety is a typical early years experience which is often misunderstood. Find out what it really means for your child’s development and how to move through it together.
May 26th, 2026
‘Warm, nurturing’ South Croydon nursery impresses Ofsted
Partou Gingerbread House in South Croydon has been praised by Ofsted for its inclusive culture, purposeful teaching and strong partnerships with families. Learn more about the team’s commitment to helping children grow in confidence and independence with joy.
May 19th, 2026
Alfreton nursery opens stunning new baby room
Partou Field View Day Nursery and Pre-School in Alfreton has completed a £100,000 refurbishment, including a brand-new baby room with 14 additional places. Featuring bright learning spaces, updated outdoor areas and a planned £55,000 garden upgrade, the nursery offers high-quality childcare and …
Practising mindfulness with children
Explore practical ways to build mindfulness into everyday moments with children, supporting their wellbeing and emotional development while building the habit alongside them.
May 5th, 2026
Partou wins seven Top 20 Nursery Awards
Partou has been recognised with seven Top 20 Nursery Awards from daynurseries.co.uk, including six settings ranked among the best in their regions, reflecting strong family feedback and high-quality care.
May 1st, 2026
Harrogate nursery’s ‘warm, nurturing environment’ praised following inspection
Discover Partou Safehands Day Nursery, where an inclusive culture fosters children’s confidence and resilience. Ofsted praises our nurturing environment and strong standards.
April 29th, 2026
Burnley nursery supports UNICEF with community day packed with fun, games and crafts
Partou Habergham raised over £600 for UNICEF with a community fun day in Burnley, bringing families together for games, activities and inclusive fundraising.
How what your child eats can affect their sleep
What your child eats during the day is one factor that can make a real difference to their sleep. Here’s what the evidence says about the practical links between diet and sleep in young children, and what is worth trying at home.
April 28th, 2026
Partou nurseries win Reputation Awards for outstanding customer satisfaction
Partou nurseries have earned widespread recognition for outstanding customer satisfaction, with 79 settings receiving prestigious Reputation Awards for excellence in feedback and trust.
Why does my child eat so well at nursery?
Many families are surprised to find their child eats more adventurously at nursery than at home. Here’s how we approach mealtimes at Partou, and what might help at home too.
South Croydon nursery marks World Art Day with creative exhibition
Partou Gingerbread House in South Croydon celebrated World Art Day with a colourful exhibition, showcasing babies’ and children’s creativity through hands-on, expressive art activities.
April 20th, 2026
Early years nutrition: What children need at every stage
The early years are a crucial window for building a healthy relationship with food, and what children eat between birth and five shapes habits that last a lifetime. At Partou, expertise and evidence sit behind every meal, so here’s what good early years nutrition looks like in practice.
April 17th, 2026
Partou to employ 50 new apprentices thanks to Aldi UK
Partou will recruit 50 new apprentices following a major apprenticeship levy gifting agreement with Aldi UK, helping to create new pathways into early years careers across our nurseries.
April 13th, 2026
Partou launches vibrant new menus for spring and summer months
Discover Partou’s fresh spring and summer menus, created with our Chef Academy apprentices and nutrition expert Laura Matthews to bring vibrant, balanced meals to little learners.
April 9th, 2026
How we create our nursery menus — and why it matters
Food and nutrition are an important part of Partou nursery life. Learn how we develop our menus using expert knowledge and DfE guidance and how we support children to make mealtimes enjoyable.
April 2nd, 2026
Partou announces appointment of former Ofsted leader to senior position
We are delighted to announce that former Ofsted leader, Sam Sleeman-Boss, joins us as Head of Early Years, bringing extensive sector expertise and a strong focus on quality, inclusion and practice.
April 1st, 2026
Partou delivers Easter cheer for Manchester children
Partou team members donated Easter gifts to children in Manchester, continuing their support for Home‑Start Manchester and families facing challenging circumstances. Find out more about the initiative.
March 25th, 2026
Partou Stonehouse supports charity with flying colours
Children and team members at Partou Stonehouse held a vibrant Colour Run to raise money for UNICEF, combining fun, learning and physical activity. Find out more about the day.
Clocks Go Forward 2026: helping your child adjust to the spring clock change
From bedtime shifts to lighter evenings, the spring clock change can feel daunting when you have young children. Discover gentle, child-led ideas to help your baby or toddler adjust to British Summer Time, with practical tips for sleep, routines and nursery mornings.
March 23rd, 2026
‘Welcoming’ Herts nursery graded ‘strong standard’ in children’s welfare and wellbeing
Partou Sycamore House has been praised by Ofsted for providing a calm, nurturing environment, achieving ‘strong standard’ for children’s welfare and wellbeing. Discover what impressed inspectors.
March 23rd, 2026
‘Warm, welcoming and safe’ Birkenhead nursery impresses Ofsted
From strong safeguarding to child‑led learning, Ofsted highlights the supportive environment at Partou Upton. Read more about the findings from the inspection.
March 18th, 2026
Partou backs national child vaccination campaign
Partou is proud to back a national childhood vaccination campaign, supporting families to give children the best possible protection. Find out more.
March 17th, 2026
Ellesmere Port nursery graded ‘strong’ by Ofsted
Ofsted recognises Partou Sunny Days for its nurturing approach, strong inclusion and excellent partnerships with families. Learn more about what impressed inspectors.
March 17th, 2026
‘Warm and caring’ Maidenhead nursery team impresses Ofsted inspector
From strong bonds with staff to meaningful preparation for school, Ofsted highlights the strengths of Partou Silchester Manor. Read more from the inspection.
March 17th, 2026
‘Home-from-home’ Sale nursery graded ‘strong standard’ in curriculum, teaching and achievement
Ofsted has praised Partou Cherubs for putting children at the heart of the setting, achieving ‘strong standard’ for curriculum and teaching and for achievement. Discover what impressed the inspector.
March 17th, 2026
‘Welcoming’ Gloucester nursery praised by Ofsted
Ofsted praises Partou Barnwood for its happy children, nurturing relationships and supportive teaching. Learn more about what the inspectors found.
March 17th, 2026
London nursery impresses Ofsted inspector
Ofsted praises Partou Apples & Cherries for its kind, caring team and positive learning environment. Learn more about what impressed inspectors.
March 17th, 2026
Thoughtful curriculum and effective teaching ensure Bristol nursery children are well prepared for school
Ofsted praises Partou Stockwood Lane for its thoughtful curriculum, effective teaching and strong safeguarding culture. Discover what impressed the inspector.
March 12th, 2026
Partou Willowdene awarded Halton Healthy Early Years Status
Partou Willowdene in Widnes have been recognised for their commitment to giving children the healthiest start possible with a holistic approach to wellbeing that extends beyond the nursery world. Learn about their award and what this means for families.
March 11th, 2026
Partou welcomes children’s authors for World Book Day
As part of its World Book Day celebrations, Partou invited published authors to inspire children through storytelling and a shared love of books. Read more about the experience.
Top Tips for encouraging early literacy
From bedtime reading to singing in the car, the everyday moments you share with your child are already building the foundations for literacy. Discover simple, practical ways to nurture early years confidence with words, letters and sounds with no special resources needed.
March 6th, 2026
Partou revamps long service award to celebrate shared success
Partou has launched an expanded long service award scheme, recognising team members earlier in their journey and celebrating the dedication they bring from day one. Find out more about the new approach.
February 25th, 2026
Celebrating World Book Day: A Focus on Stories, Not Costumes
Learn all about how we celebrate World Book Day in a way that removes stress, pressure and cost and prioritises meaningful connection with books.
January 8th, 2026
Partou expands UK nurseries with two acquisitions
Partou are pleased to announce the acquisition of two North West nurseries.
Read more about this exciting development.
What Families Love About Partou Stonehouse Day Nursery & Pre-School
Take a look at what makes Partou Stonehouse Day Nursery & Pre-School so special for our families
Get into the holiday spirit with festive scented playdough
This festive activity is a great way for children to have fun and develop a range of skills over the holiday season!
Top tips for making the most of your nursery visit
We’ve compiled a list of popular questions families ask at nursery visits to help you when deciding which nursery to choose for your child’s early years education.
November 25th, 2025
Partou ‘goes blue’ for World Children’s Day in support of UNICEF
Team members across Partou “went blue” recently to celebrate World Children’s Day as part of their partnership with UNICEF.
Read more about the celebrations and fund raising activities.
Understanding the Ofsted inspection changes
Ofsted are making important changes to the way that they inspect and rate children’s services and childcare settings; learn what these are and what they mean for families.
September 11th, 2025
Partou acquire Nature Trail Nursery Group
Partou are delighted to announce the acquisition of Nature Trail Nursery Group, strengthening our Nursery provision in the North West of England by an additional eight nurseries.
Learn more about this exciting acquisition.
What is a Nursery Manager?
Working as a Nursery Manager is a highly rewarding experience and a great opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their childcare career.
Here’s all you need to know about becoming a Nursery Manager at a Partou Nursery.
Top tips: How to write a CV for childcare
So you’re looking for a new career in childcare? There are lots of nursery jobs out there to apply for – but there are also lots of applicants, too.
This means it’s really important to make your CV stand out, showing childcare employers that you’re a great candidate who’s worth shor…
Supporting your child settling into nursery: A handy guide for parents
Starting nursery is an exciting milestone for both children and their parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in a child’s life, providing them with opportunities to learn, socialise, and grow. Although this is an exciting time, the transition from home to nursery can be challenging for…
What is an Early Years Practitioner?
Interested in becoming an Early Years Practitioner at Partou?
Find out what the role involves, how to qualify, career path opportunities and more in this blog!
August 13th, 2025
Partou are proud to partner with UNICEF to support children worldwide
We are delighted to announce we are now an official partner of UNICEF, building on years of supporting UNICEF initiatives.
Learn more about this exciting partnership.
August 11th, 2025
Working Family Childcare Funding Explained
From 1st September, more families than ever will be eligible for the government’s expanded “30 hours free childcare” scheme. Our guide explains what working family childcare funding is, who qualifies, how it’s applied, and the steps you need to take to claim it. Whether you need term-time …
July 29th, 2025
Benefits to attending a Nursery Open Day
Choosing the right nursery for your child can be a challenge.
Visiting nurseries, meeting the people who work there, and experiencing the environments can be incredibly helpful in making the best decision for you and your family.
That’s why we hold regular open days throughout the y…
School Readiness with Partou
At Partou, we believe school readiness is about much more than learning letters and numbers. It’s about nurturing the confidence, curiosity, and independence every child needs to thrive in a new environment.
From physical skills like climbing and drawing to social and emotional growth, ou…
June 10th, 2025
It’s Happy Partou Day as we celebrate a double anniversary
We’re celebrating Partou Day – the first anniversary since launching the Partou brand in the UK, following the merger of Just Childcare and All About Children. and an incredible 50 years of delivering quality childcare in the Netherlands.
Life skills children should learn
As adults, there are many essential life skills we use every day without even thinking. But for young children, these skills don’t develop overnight — they need to be introduced, practised, and encouraged over time.
In this guide, we’ll explore key life skills every child should beg…
Benefits of music in early childhood education
From nursery rhymes to dancing games, music helps your child grow. Learn how music in early years education supports development in fun, meaningful ways.
Partou Storytimes win national Best Indoor Learning Environment award
We are proud to announce that Partou Storytimes recently claimed the ‘Indoor Learning Environment of the Year’ award at the 2024 National NMT Nursery Awards.
September 11th, 2024
Partou shortlised in five categories at National NMT Nursery Awards
We’re proud to announce that we’ve been shortlisted in five categories for the National NMT Nursery Awards.
In addition to being a finalist for the prestigious Large Nursery Group accolade, three of our settings and a much-loved Nursery Manager are in the running to receive an award.
Local radio rewards dedication of team member at Partou Playaway
Partou Playaway was recently visited by local radio station, Your Harrogate, who wanted to reward the efforts of team member Kim Stanfield for going above and beyond in her role as the nursery’s Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator.
August 1st, 2024
Partou Alexandra complete Plastic Free Schools Accreditation
Partou is extremely proud to announce that Alexandra Day Nursery and Pre-school, based in Redditch, have recently completed their Plastic Free Schools Accreditation, officially making them a ‘plastic free nursery’.
In this blog, we speak to Nursery Manager, Holly Browning, on how the nurse…
July 2nd, 2024
Partou acquire Wonder Years Nursery, Coventry
We are delighted to announce that Coventry based Nursery, Wonder Years, has joined the Partou Group. Bringing our total number of nurseries to 106, the acquisition is the first since our official UK brand launch in May.
June 13th, 2024
Championing Dads: Father’s Day at our nurseries
Father’s Day is just around the corner, presenting a brilliant opportunity for Partou nurseries to appreciate the incredible role that fathers and father-figures play in young children’s lives. Find out how we do so in our dedicated article.
June 11th, 2024
Partou Day: A celebration of our UK brand launch
Last week, we celebrated our official UK brand launch with ‘Partou Day’! Our nurseries were decorated with balloons, bunting, and flags, creating a festival atmosphere for a day filled with fun events for everyone to enjoy.
June 10th, 2024
Partou Little Dragons win prestigious Training and Development Award!
Partou are delighted to announce that Harrogate based nursery, Little Dragons, proudly received the Training and Development Award at this year’s National Day Nurseries Association Awards.
May 23rd, 2024
Partou partners with NPELC to champion high-quality childcare
We are proud to announce that Partou have joined forces with nine of the nation’s leading childcare providers to improve the quality and sustainability of the early years sector across England.
April 25th, 2024
Creating a shared vision within Partou
Samantha Rhodes has led Partou in the UK since the merger of the Just Childcare and All About Children groups in 2023, having previously served as CEO of Just Childcare.
Read her thoughts on the importance of the group’s new shared vision.
Personal, social and emotional development
Why PSED is so important in early years?
Some of the most fundamental skills in life are the things we learn early on. Understanding and managing emotions, building positive relationships and developing a sense of self-awareness are among them, and these are all examples of personal, social…
Outdoor sensory activities for preschoolers
Being outdoors is essential for young children’s development. It’s a rich environment full of stimulating experiences for all five senses, from fragrant flowers to the sound of birdsong, to the rich and varied textures of different plants.
What is a Nursery Room Leader in childcare?
If you’re exploring options within childcare, you may feel overwhelmed about which path is best for you.
In this blog, we explore what a Nursery Room Leader is, discussing their roles and responsibilities, and what you can expect from this role.
The importance of nutrition in early childhood
A healthy diet in early childhood is essential to build a strong body and nourish a developing brain. The benefits of good nutrition for young children extend beyond the early years, creating lifelong healthy eating habits.
How to support brain development in early childhood
As a parent, you’re witness to the incredible rate at which a child grows and changes from birth. But did you know that brain development in early childhood is faster, more sensitive and has a bigger impact on their lives, than at any other age? That’s a pretty mind-blowing thought, but the go…
How to encourage learning through play
As adults, we tend to see work and play as two very different things – at opposite ends of the spectrum. But for children, play and work are one and the same! The first five years in children’s lives form the bed stones of their learning and the experiences that they have are crucial in settin…
How to Be a Winner at Your Next Nursery Job Interview
Preparing for a nursery job interview? From what to wear, to what to expect, we’ve put together some helpful tips which will help you succeed.
How to support your child’s mental health
Discussions surrounding mental health have significantly increased over the past few years and it is now more important than ever before. Encouragement to reach out for information regarding the serious topic is often shared on social media, however, this often tends to be directed towards teenage…
Is a Nursery Apprenticeship the right choice for you?
Working in a nursery means that you get the opportunity to truly help shape and make a difference in the lives of little people.
There are several different routes you can follow if you’re looking at starting a career in childcare. You might start as a nursery or playgroup assistant, an …
Supporting your child’s transition to school
We recognise that starting “big school” can be a worrying time for both you and your child and talking about it certainly helps.
Your child’s key person is always on hand to discuss the transition with you, to guide and support and to help make it as smooth as possible….
Getting ‘big school’ ready with Partou
At Partou, we know that starting school is a key milestone for children and their family.
There is the element of the unknown as well as the change in routine, environment, and new people to make relationships with and build attachments to. This includes the adults too!
How to promote sensory development in babies
As adults, we may take our sense of smell or sight for granted, but during the first year of life a baby’s senses have a lot of developing to do.
Promoting sensory development is beneficial during your baby’s first year to help them adapt to the world, as well as supporting both mental…
How sensory play helps development
Sensory play is encouraged from birth and all through the early years to support a child’s sensory development. Don’t worry if it’s something you’ve never tried, it’s never too late to introduce sensory play activities.
Communication and language activities for early years
Research suggests that the most important stages of a child’s development is from birth up to 3 years old. Every interaction your little one has in their early years, whether that be in nursery or at home, is teaching them more and more about how to communicate with the world around them.
A beginner’s guide to weaning
At around six months, your baby will be ready for their first taste of solid food. Most parents have lots of questions about this important milestone, so our weaning guide for beginners provides you with useful tips and advice to help you get started on your baby’s weaning journey.
Why nursery rhymes are good for babies
Nursery rhymes are part and parcel of a young child’s life. And as well as being a lovely way to interact with your baby or toddler, they can actually play a big part in supporting their development! Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of nursery rhymes, how we use them at our nursery, a…
Why developmental movement is so important?
Developmental movement refers to the way we move in the first years of our lives; the movement that helps us develop – everything from a new-born baby’s reflexive movement of hands and feet, through to a toddler learning to kick a ball and climb a climbing frame and children developing the ski…
What is sensory development in early childhood?
From the moment your child is born, he or she is constantly using all five senses to explore and make sense of their surroundings. Sensory development enhances the use of your child’s senses by incorporating different colours, textures, noises and more into their early education. This holistic l…
What is early years childhood education?
The early years, under five years old, are the most crucial years for children. It’s when they learn most rapidly and where their learning and experiences forms the person that they are and will grow into being. Early childhood education is so much more than just attending nursery or pre-school….
The benefits of science in the early years
Children are naturally drawn to the things that make them curious about the world around them. Channelling this curiosity and encouraging them to develop through science can make for some great learning activities.
Read on to learn about some of the benefits of different early years scienc…
June 12th, 2022
Diversity in Partou nurseries
Throughout June, Partou nurseries celebrate Pride Month by teaching children about the different types of families and the importance of having kindness and respect for all.
Forming just part of our wider commitment, the activities we undertake symbolise the values of inclusion, diversity …