At a glance

Ofsted has praised Partou Leaps and Bounds Day Nursery and Pre-school in Bristol for being a "safe and inclusive" environment where children are "happy and well cared for." The nursery received high marks for inclusion, children's welfare and wellbeing, and personalised support for children with special needs or disadvantages. The report highlights the nursery's strong curriculum and effective communication with parents, emphasising the staff's commitment to ensuring all children thrive.

Children at Partou Leaps and Bounds Day Nursery and Pre-school in Bristol are “happy and well cared for” at what Ofsted describes as a “safe and inclusive nursery” following an inspection.

The official report adds: “Staff create a welcoming atmosphere. Children feel safe and have a positive sense of belonging. Staff form nurturing relationships with children, and their interactions are always kind and respectful.”

Ofsted recently 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 Leaps and Bounds were deemed to be ‘met’ with the setting achieving ‘strong standard’ for inclusion, and children’s welfare and wellbeing, and ‘expected standard’ across all other evaluation areas.

The Ofsted inspector observes that Partou Leaps and Bounds leaders and team members “are highly skilled in providing effective personalised care that meets children’s individual and unique needs.” The report continues: “Staff have a comprehensive knowledge of the children in their care. They support children in a way that enables them to achieve and thrive.”

Providing support to children who face barriers to their learning is “a strength of this nursery,” according to the report. It explains: “Leaders and staff place high emphasis on ensuring that all children excel during their time at the nursery, specifically any children who face disadvantage. Staff ensure that children’s individual learning needs, including those related to special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who face significant health needs, are understood and met through personalised interventions.”

The curriculum at Partou Leaps and Bounds is judged as “high quality” with team members ensuring “it is in line with children’s interests, what they need to learn next, and sequential, so it builds up on children’s skills overtime.” The inspector writes: “Leaders and staff have a secure understanding of child development. They know how to promote learning in a way that helps all children to engage and make positive progress in all areas of their development.”

And families are said to be “well informed about their children’s day and how they are progressing.” Following conversations with parents and carers as part of the formal Ofsted process, the inspector comments: “They are complimentary about the care and education their children receive. Parents have full confidence in the leaders and staff to maintain high quality at all times.”

Partou Leaps and Bounds is a purpose-built nursery providing high-quality childcare and early years education for families in Brislington, Conham and surrounding areas of Bristol. Its spacious playrooms are designed to give children lots of room to move and explore safely whilst bringing early years learning to life. Outside, children have access to two large areas where they can play, discover and benefit from fresh air all year round.

Aliya Hayden, Partou Leaps and Bounds Acting Nursery Manager, said: “It is a strong report across all areas of activity and a credit to my fantastic team. “To achieve ‘strong standard’ for achievement, and children’s welfare and wellbeing, underlines our total commitment to ensuring every child is given the best possible support to overcome any barriers they may face before starting school.”

Sam Sleeman-Boss, Partou Head of Early Years, said: “As the Ofsted inspector highlights, the newly established team at Partou Leaps and Bounds is making great strides through effective self-evaluation and continually identifying areas of the provision that can be further enhanced. “The report serves as evidence that this approach has significantly improved the learning experience for the children.”

Editorial insight

The latest Ofsted report for Partou Leaps and Bounds Day Nursery and Pre-school arrives at a time when early years providers across England are adjusting to a revised inspection framework. The updated approach places greater emphasis on safeguarding and inclusion, alongside traditional measures of curriculum and teaching quality. For local families and childcare professionals, such reports offer reassurance about the standards being maintained under the new system.

With demand for high-quality early years provision remaining strong in Bristol, the inspection’s focus on personalised support for children facing barriers to learning is likely to be welcomed by parents and carers. The recognition of inclusive practice and effective communication with families reflects ongoing priorities in the sector, particularly as settings seek to demonstrate their ability to meet a broad range of needs.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Consumer impact

Parental Confidence in Early Years Education Post-Ofsted Report

Following the positive Ofsted report, parents have expressed high confidence in the care and education at Partou Leaps and Bounds. This story examines parental expectations and satisfaction with early years education, reflecting on how inspections influence parental choice and perception.

Target audience parenting and education publications Story potential 5/10 Local/community

Supporting Disadvantaged Children in Bristol’s Early Years Settings

Partou Leaps and Bounds Day Nursery's emphasis on supporting children facing learning barriers highlights a local effort to provide equitable education opportunities. The story can focus on the nursery's approach to inclusivity and the impact on children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Bristol.

Target audience local Bristol media and education-focused outlets Story potential 6/10