October 1st, 2026
Partou Bumpkins in Whaddon has been shortlisted for Forest / Beach School of the Year at the National NMT Nursery Awards 2026.
Nursery Manager Paige Martin explains why learning outdoors is such an important part of what the team does.
Partou Bumpkins Day Nursery and Pre-school in Whaddon has been shortlisted for Forest / Beach School of the Year at the National NMT Nursery Awards 2026.
According to the organisers, the award will go to the forest or beach school “which can demonstrate their focus on developing personal, social and emotional life skills through learner led, nature-based learning.”
Situated in a beautiful rural setting in the village of Whaddon, Partou Bumpkins provides high-quality early years childcare and education for families across Royston, Bassingbourn, Meldreth and the surrounding Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire border.
Paige Martin, Partou Bumpkins Nursery Manager, said:
“The setting is very lucky to have a wonderful rural space where our children can learn, explore and enjoy being outdoors every single day.
“We have been running our Forest School for the past five years and it has become such an important part of what we do.
“We really believe that children learn so much through being outside. Our children love getting messy, trying new things and having the freedom to make their own choices.
“There is never really a ‘typical” day at Forest School because the children are always finding something new to do.
“It is fantastic to be shortlisted for an NMT National Award in recognition of our work.”
Kirsty Jackson, Partou Co-Managing Director, said:
“Congratulations to Paige and the team at Partou Bumpkins.
“The nursery is about so much more than being outside. It is about giving children the freedom to explore, get muddy, be creative, take safe risks, care for nature and, most importantly, have fun.
“Partou Bumpkins is a truly wonderous place, I wish the team every success.”
The NMT National Nursery Awards will be presented at an evening ceremony at Park Plaza London on 7 November 2026.
Search our nurseries by name, town, city or postcode.
Partou Little Oaks in Accrington has achieved the highest possible 5-star food hygiene rating, recognising exceptional standards of cleanliness, food safety and compliance.
Learn more about this achievement and the dedicated team behind it.
Ofsted has praised Partou Hucclecote in Gloucester for a broad curriculum and a team who help children feel settled from the moment they arrive.
Read more about the everyday moments the inspector praised, from climbing outdoors to role-play with friends.
Children at Partou St Mary’s in Doncaster “feel emotionally secure” and “become confident,” according to their latest Ofsted report.
Read what inspectors said about the team’s tailored curriculum and the care families praise.
