March 17th, 2026
Ofsted praises Partou Barnwood for its happy children, nurturing relationships and supportive teaching. Learn more about what the inspectors found.
Partou Barnwood Day Nursery and Pre-school in Gloucester has achieved “expected standard” across all evaluation areas following an Ofsted inspection.
In the regulator’s final report, the children are described as “happy” with “strong attachments” to team members.
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.”
The Ofsted inspectors note that Partou Barnwood team members “ensure targeted support, interactions and engagements with children help them to gain the skills that they need for the next stage in their learning and in preparation for starting school.” They add: “Leaders and staff set clear and consistent routines and boundaries to help children to understand their day and to help them to keep themselves safe.”
According to the report, the key-person system at the setting is “well embedded” with team members having a “good understanding” of each child’s routines, families and home life.
The children are also given lots of opportunities to develop their physical skills, the inspectors say, including through regular access to equipment in the nursery’s spacious garden area, with team members receiving praise for their role in “supporting children’s creativity, particularly their imaginative play.”
The report continues: “All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are fully included in this welcoming nursery. Leaders and staff know the children well. They assess their progress, and this supports them to identify any gaps in children’s learning. Children have their individual needs catered for and are well supported to join in group activities with their friends.”
And managers at the setting are complimented for ensuring families are fully supported to ensure their children’s attendance. The inspectors observe: “They recognise the positive impact that consistent attendance has on children’s experiences and outcomes. All children make progress from their individual starting points.”
Stacey Oliver, Partou Barnwood Nursery Manager, said:
“The new Ofsted inspection regime is very thorough, and we are pleased with the outcome.”
“Our nursery is a happy place to be, which is rightly recognised by the inspectors.”
“Creative learning is at the core of everything we do with a focus on supporting the children’s communication and language, confidence, self-esteem and physical development.”
“As childcare professionals, it is satisfying that these aspects of our approach are clearly highlighted in the report.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:
“Congratulations to Stacey and her team on the impressive report and the many positive comments it contains.”
“I know they will continue to build on this success and be fully committed to providing the best possible care for the children and families at Partou Barnwood.”
We’d love you to come and experience Partou Barnwood and see how our welcoming, inclusive environment helps children build confidence, develop key skills and thrive on their early years learning journey
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