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A supportive workplace means listening to what matters most to our people. As part of Wellbeing Week, we're proud to announce that we've signed the Wellbeing of Women Menopause Workplace Pledge. This commitment follows valuable feedback from our team members, who told us they wanted greater understanding, clearer support and more open conversations around menopause. To help make that a reality, we've launched a dedicated hub on our internal team portal, bringing together practical resources, guidance and support for team members, Nursery Managers and People Leaders. By continuing to listen, learn and take meaningful action, we're working to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported at every stage of their career.
Our Nursery Support Centre teams marked Partou Play Day and the launch of the Partou Guide to Play, with a day of engaging team activities, celebrating the value of play in bringing people together. Supporting UNICEF UK and the International Day of Play, the event showcased collaboration, creativity and team spirit across our teams. 👉 Read more and see how we’re celebrating the power of play across Partou - partou.co.uk/the-partou-guide-to-play/
Partou Field View Day Nursery and Pre-School in Alfreton has completed a £100,000 refurbishment, including a full redesign of its baby room that has created 14 additional childcare spaces. The investment follows £15,000 of improvements to the baby garden last year, with a further £55,000 set to be spent on upgrading the nursery’s outdoor areas in the coming weeks. Nursery Manager Lynette Wheatley said the new facilities provide a spacious, stimulating environment that supports children’s development and outdoor exploration. Managing Director Samantha Rhodes described the works as part of a wider refurbishment programme across multiple Partou settings and praised the nursery’s strong reputation among local families. The enhanced facilities aim to further improve the learning and childcare experience for children and parents alike.
Partou is proud to announce it has received seven awards from daynurseries.co.uk. The Top 20 Nursery Awards are based on reviews from families, with settings assessed on key areas including care, food, facilities, staff, safeguarding, management and value for money. Alongside being recognised as one of the UK’s Top 20 Large Nursery Groups, six Partou nurseries were named among the best in their regions. For the second consecutive year, Partou Ladybirds was ranked in the Yorkshire and Humber top 20. In the West Midlands, Partou Alexandra and Partou Langley Gorse received recognition. In the North West, Partou Footprints and Partou Little Darlings were honoured, while Partou Quedgeley was named among the South West’s top nurseries.
How we create our nursery menus – and why it matters. At Partou, food is seen as a vital part of a child’s nursery experience, not just an add-on. Every menu is carefully designed using expert input and government guidance to ensure children receive balanced, nutritious meals that support their growth and development. Menus are created in partnership with a registered nutritionist and are aligned with the Department for Education’s Early Years nutrition guidance. This means each meal includes key elements such as fruit or vegetables, wholegrains, and varied protein sources, while limiting processed foods. Every dish is thoughtfully reviewed before being served, giving parents confidence in the quality of food provided. Seasonality plays an important role in menu planning. By updating menus throughout the year, children are introduced to a wide range of fresh ingredients, helping them develop diverse tastes and an appreciation for different foods. Meals also draw inspiration from global cuisines, encouraging curiosity and expanding young palates. Catering for individual needs is central to Partou’s approach. Allergies and dietary preferences are carefully managed, with tailored meals that maintain nutritional balance. Mealtimes are relaxed and social, encouraging children to explore food at their own pace and build positive eating habits that can last a lifetime.
‘Welcoming’ Gloucester nursery praised by Ofsted. Partou Barnwood Day Nursery and Pre-school in Gloucester has achieved “expected standard” across all evaluation areas following an Ofsted inspection. In the regulator’s final report, the children are described as “happy” with “strong attachments” to team members. The Ofsted inspectors note that Partou Barnwood team members “ensure targeted support, interactions and engagements with children help them to gain the skills that they need for the next stage in their learning and in preparation for starting school.” They add: “Leaders and staff set clear and consistent routines and boundaries to help children to understand their day and to help them to keep themselves safe.” According to the report, the key-person system at the setting is “well embedded” with team members having a “good understanding” of each child’s routines, families and home life. The children are also given lots of opportunities to develop their physical skills, the inspectors say, including through regular access to equipment in the nursery’s spacious garden area, with team members receiving praise for their role in “supporting children’s creativity, particularly their imaginative play.” Managers at the setting are complimented for ensuring families are fully supported to ensure their children’s attendance: “They recognise the positive impact that consistent attendance has on children’s experiences and outcomes."
At Partou, we believe early literacy begins long before children start reading or writing at school. The foundations are built through everyday moments such as sharing stories, chatting about the day, or singing songs together. These simple interactions help children develop confidence with words, letters and sounds. Reading together regularly is a great place to start. Let children choose their favourite books, use expressive voices, and talk about the pictures or story as you go. Remember, enjoyment matters more than finishing the book. Conversation also plays a key role. Narrating daily activities, naming objects, and pausing for children to respond helps build vocabulary and understanding. Singing nursery rhymes, visiting the local library, spotting words on signs, and encouraging drawing or scribbling all support early literacy too. Small, everyday experiences can nurture curiosity, language development, and a lifelong love of reading.
