Partou revamps long service award to celebrate shared success

March 6th, 2026

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.

Samantha Rhodes, Managing Director of Partou, sits at a desk in an office setting, smiling towards the camera.

Partou has launched a new long service award scheme as part of a continued commitment to recognising and celebrating the people who make it one of the UK’s leading day nursery providers. 

Previously, awards – in the form of gift vouchers – were presented to individual team members following five years of service, and again every five years for increasing amounts.

Under the new arrangement, vouchers will be given to team members reaching one, two, three and four years of service.

Established in 1975, Partou is the biggest childcare group in the Netherlands with more than 700 settings, over 70,000 children and 9,000 team members.

It currently operates more than 100 nurseries in the UK, which collectively care for around 9,000 children and employ more than 2,000 dedicated childcare professionals, including 240 apprentices.

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:

“The increase in hours of government-funded childcare has significantly heightened the need to welcome new practitioners into the sector and retain their many skills in the long-term.     

“We know that every year of service represents dedication, hard work and the impact each team member makes on their colleagues and the children we support.

“With that in mind, we have expanded our long service awards so that even more milestones are recognised and appreciated.

“This means we can celebrate and thank team members earlier in their journey with us, recognising the value they bring from day one.

“We are truly grateful to them for the care, compassion and continuous learning they show every day. Each plays an important part in our shared success.”

Related news

A group of eight Partou Gingerbread House team members standing together indoors, wearing matching maroon uniforms and name badges, smiling for a team photo against a light, modern nursery backdrop.
‘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.

Read more

Purple crocus buds emerging through brown leaves in early spring, used to illustrate gentle mindfulness moments with children — noticing small changes in nature and pausing together to connect with the world around them.
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.

Read more

A group of nursery staff stand outside a stone building beside a red Partou Ladybirds Day Nursery & Pre-School sign, with one person holding an award plaque, marking a recognition achievement.
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.

Read more