‘Warm, welcoming and safe’ Birkenhead nursery impresses Ofsted

Team members at Partou Upton Day Nursery and Pre-school in Birkenhead have been praised by Ofsted for creating “a warm, welcoming and safe environment for all children, in which they can grow and develop.”

In her official report, the inspector observes: “Children enter happily and call out greetings to their friends and staff. Children and babies are confident to explore and engage in their activities. Staff build positive relationship with children. This helps children to feel safe and secure.” 

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.

Safeguarding standards at Partou Upton were judged to be ‘met’ with the nursery achieving ‘expected standard’ across all evaluation areas.

According to the inspector, team members “have appropriate aspirations for children and want them to do well.”  She writes: “They know when to step in to provide additional support, such as helping children to put on their coats, but are respectful of children’s wishes when they are told, ‘I can do it.’ Staff help children to be independent.”

Leaders and team members are also commended for creating “a positive culture” and setting “age-appropriate expectations for children’s behaviour.”  The inspector continues: “Staff role model expected behaviours, such as using polite manners, and they consistently praise positive behaviour. Clear, established routines help children to know what is happening now and next. This helps children develop a sense of familiarity and security.”

The environment at Partou Upton is described as one where “all children are valued, respected and included” with “appropriate support” provided for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.  

The Ofsted report adds: “The setting’s positive relationships with parents ensure that families feel welcomed and valued. This inclusive approach supports children’s regular attendance to form healthy habits for the future.”

Located close to the M53, Partou Upton is a popular choice for families in and around the Upton, Bidston and Prenton areas of Birkenhead. 

It offers light and spacious rooms which are neutrally decorated to encourage imagination and play, together with two large outdoor areas for children to explore.  Outdoor learning also extends beyond the nursery with regular trips around the local area to give children opportunities to grow their confidence.

Alex Lowry, Partou Upton Nursery Manager, said:

“We are proud of our nursery and delighted that the work we do has been recognised by Ofsted.

“There is a relaxed atmosphere throughout the setting which helps the children to feel comfortable and keen to learn.   

“Our strong partnerships with the families also helps us to provide high quality care tailored specially for each child’s individual needs.”

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:

“Well done to Alex and the team.

“Partou embraces a child-led approach that emphasises building confidence and curiosity, so that every child in our care has the freedom to flourish.

“The commitment to enabling the children at Partou Upton to be independent shines through in the Ofsted report and is delivering tangible results for their early years development.”

Come and see for yourself

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