March 17th, 2026
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.
Partou Cherubs Day Nursery and Pre-school in Sale has been praised by Ofsted for placing children “at the heart” of the setting and providing “a home-from-home” experience.”
In an inspection report, the regulator adds: “Partnership with parents is a key strength, with parents reporting improvements in communication and clarity. Parents are happy with the care and learning their children receive. They feel that leaders and staff provide many opportunities for collaborative working. This enables parents to be fully involved in their child’s learning.”
Partou Cherubs is located in a quiet residential area off Dane Road, close to Junction 6 of the M60.
The nursery adopts a child-led approach to learning which has been successfully implemented across more than 100 nurseries nationwide.
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 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 “working above the standard expected of them.”
Areas graded as “expected standard” place nurseries at the level “set out in statutory and non‑statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them.”
Following the Ofsted inspection, Partou Cherubs met the “strong standard” for curriculum and teaching and achievement, with all other areas judged as “expected standard.”
After speaking to team members and families during her visit, the Ofsted inspector describes the curriculum at Partou Cherubs as “ambitious” and says it “supports all children to achieve” and “develop positive attitudes to learning.”
She adds: “Children make good progress from their starting points, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All children gain independent skills.”
Team members are described as “supportive role models who promote the behavioural expectations of the setting.”
The inspector continues: “Leaders and staff support children’s wellbeing. They promote opportunities for all children to develop independence and learn to do things for themselves, including those who face barriers to their learning. The key person system is well-embedded to support children’s individual needs, with a buddy system in place for additional support. Children feel safe with staff and know who to go to for reassurance when needed.”
Emily Spencer, Partou Cherubs Nursery Manager, said:
“I am delighted for my team, the families and the children at the outcome of the Ofsted inspection.”
“We have worked incredibly hard to embed a culture where the children feel at ease and able to embrace the curriculum we have carefully created to start them on their learning journey.”
“It is wonderful to see that these efforts are clearly highlighted in the final report.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:
“Congratulations to Emily and the entire Partou Cherubs team.”
“Their absolute commitment to achieving high standards has been recognised by the Ofsted inspector and the families who rightly play a key role in the grading process.”
If you are looking for childcare in Cheshire which provides a home-from-home experience with children at the heart, we’d love you to come and see how Partou Cherubs could support you and your family.
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