Harrogate nursery’s ‘warm, nurturing environment’ praised following inspection

Partou Safehands Day Nursery & Pre-school, where the “inclusive culture supports children’s confidence, resilience and positive attitudes to learning” is the subject of a glowing evaluation by Ofsted.

In the published report card, the inspector praises team members at the nursery for their “clear expectations for children’s behaviour, which they apply consistently.”  The inspector adds: “They are positive role models and give children clear guidance that helps them behave well.”

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 six additional evaluation areas: inclusion; curriculum and teaching; achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; and leadership and governance.

Nurseries achieving ‘strong standard’ for specific evaluation areas are deemed to be providing consistently high-quality education and care for all children. 

Partou Safehands met ‘strong standard’ in three areas, including inclusion and children’s welfare and wellbeing, and ‘expected standard’ in the remaining three categories.

The inspector observes that children attending the setting “are cared for in a warm, nurturing environment where they feel safe.” The report card states: “Young children quickly form secure attachments with staff, which helps them settle easily and build confidence. Across the nursery, children learn to be increasingly independent. They serve their own meals, brush their teeth and take responsibility for roles that give them a sense of pride.”

Children’s welfare and wellbeing is described as “at the heart of leaders’ practice” with daily routines “well embedded” to “help children feel secure.”  The inspector writes: “Staff use stories, discussions and everyday experiences to help children understand, express and regulate their feelings. They encourage and recognise positive behaviours to build children’s self-esteem.”

And partnerships between team members and families are described as “highly successful.”  The Ofsted report card states: “Leaders value parents’ opinions on changes and they give feedback, such as voting for employee of the month. Parents speak positively about the care their children receive. They describe staff as accommodating, warm and caring. They greatly appreciate the consistent communication they receive about their children’s progress. For children with barriers to learning, strong partnership working and commitment from staff to enhance their own knowledge and understanding ensure these children make rapid progress.”  

Set in an impressive Edwardian building on Kent Road in Harrogate, Partou Safehands provides large, well-resourced rooms with safe climbing areas and inspiring activities that encourage children to learn and develop through play.

These are complemented by exciting outdoor environments filled with fun equipment that can be explored in all weathers.

Vicky Gildea, Partou Safehands Nursery Manager, said:

“It is a really positive report card which reflects the dedication and professionalism of my fantastic team.

“We leave no stone unturned in our efforts to provide the best possible learning environment for children.

“The feedback from the families is also really satisfying and highlights the importance of working closely with them in everything we do.”      

Samantha Rhodes, our Managing Director, said:

“Huge congratulations to Vicky and the team.

“Being graded ‘strong standard’ across three evaluation areas is a tremendous achievement and they should all be extremely proud.

“As a Partou nursery, it is particularly pleasing to read the positive comments about encouraging the children to be independent which, as the inspector rightly points out, helps them to grow in confidence, ready for the move to school.”

Come and see for yourself

If you are looking for a warm and welcoming nursery in Harrogate where all children are respected, supported and valued, we’d love to welcome you to Partou Safehands Day Nursery & Pre-school!