At a glance

Partou St Mary’s Day Nursery and Pre-school in Doncaster has been praised by Ofsted for its high ambitions and quality of care, achieving the 'expected standard' in all key evaluation areas under the new grading framework. The report highlights the nursery's tailored curriculum and supportive environment, which help children, including those disadvantaged, to build confidence and independence. The nursery serves families in Bessacarr, Rossington, Littleworth, and surrounding areas, providing a nurturing setting for early years education.

Team leaders at Partou St Mary’s Day Nursery and Pre-school in Doncaster have been praised by Ofsted for having “high ambitions for all children to reach their full potential.” Following an inspection, the official report adds: “Parents and carers praise the staff team for the compassion and care that they show towards the children.”

Last year, Ofsted changed the way early years settings are graded, replacing the previous single-word judgement with a renewed framework that focuses on safeguarding and a broad range of 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 St. Mary’s were deemed to be ‘met’ with the nursery achieving ‘expected standard’ in all six key evaluation areas, recognising that the team are delivering consistently high-quality childcare and education.

The Ofsted inspector notes that “all children” at the setting, “including those who are disadvantaged, build positive relationships with staff.” The report continues: “Children show that they feel emotionally secure in their care. As a result, they become confident and develop their independence.”

Partou St. Mary’s team members are commended for devising “a curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of all children.”

The inspector writes: “Staff use their assessments of children’s development and work with parents and carers to decide what children need to learn next. They consider how they will plan activities and experiences to support all children to work towards these next steps in their learning. They understand the skills that children need to develop before moving on to the next stage in their education. As a result, children are well-prepared to move on to the next aged room in the nursery, or for starting school.”

And the report notes that children “are supported to share knowledge and experiences about their cultures and home celebrations.”

Partou St. Mary’s provides expert childcare and early-years education to families in Bessacarr, Rossington, Littleworth and surrounding areas of Doncaster. Standing in the grounds of the original St. Mary’s School, the setting offers spacious, well-resourced rooms for children to explore and a large garden which all age groups can access.

Elaine Oliver, Partou St. Mary’s Nursery Manager, said: “We are pleased with the inspector’s assessment and the many positive comments in the Ofsted report. “Creating a warm and inclusive environment is essential for early years learning, supported by a curriculum that addresses each child’s individual needs. “I am proud to lead a professional team which is delivering a happy, safe and vibrant educational experience for local families.”

Sam Sleeman-Boss, Partou Head of Early Years, said: “Congratulations to Elaine and the team on the Ofsted inspection outcome. “Across all our settings, Partou gives every child the freedom to flourish, building their confidence and curiosity. “The Ofsted inspector notes that the team’s impressive work empowers children at St Mary’s to be more independent in readiness for their next stage of learning.”

Editorial insight

Ofsted’s positive assessment of Partou St Mary’s Day Nursery and Pre-school comes at a time when early years providers across England are adapting to a revised inspection regime, with a sharper focus on safeguarding and a broader evaluation of curriculum, inclusion and leadership. The nursery’s ability to meet all key requirements under the updated framework provides reassurance for families in Doncaster seeking reliable childcare and early education provision.

For local parents, the recognition of strong leadership and individualised support may offer added confidence as demand for high-quality early years places remains steady. The report’s emphasis on children’s wellbeing, independence and preparation for school is likely to resonate with families prioritising a nurturing start to education, particularly in the context of ongoing national debate about early childhood development and school readiness.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Regulation

Impact of Ofsted Grading Changes on Early Years Education

Examine how the recent changes in Ofsted's grading criteria for early years settings are affecting nurseries like Partou St Mary's, focusing on how these changes influence educational practices and outcomes.

Target audience education-focused publications, national-news Story potential 7/10 Local/community

Spotlight on Early Childhood Education in Doncaster

Explore how Partou St Mary's Day Nursery's approach to early childhood education is impacting families in Doncaster, particularly in areas like Bessacarr and Rossington.

Target audience local newspapers, regional-news outlets Story potential 6/10