At a glance

Partou, a UK nursery provider, has appointed Sam Sleeman-Boss as Head of Early Years. Sleeman-Boss, formerly with Ofsted, brings extensive experience in early education inspection and policy. Her appointment is significant as it aims to enhance the quality and inclusivity of early years education at Partou's nurseries.

Leading day nursery provider Partou has appointed Sam Sleeman-Boss as Head of Early Years.

Sam joins from Ofsted, where she spent the past ten years working closely with the early education sector in inspection, quality and national policy roles.

Most recently, she served as Early Education Quality and Practice Lead where she was instrumental in delivering the new early years inspection toolkit and supporting inspectors and providers to better understand what high-quality practice looks like in everyday settings.

Partou operates more than 100 nurseries in the UK, which collectively care for around 9,000 children and employ more than 2,000 dedicated childcare professionals, including 240 apprentices.

Kirsty Jackson, Partou Childcare and Operations Director, said: “It is a major coup for us to recruit someone with Sam’s reputation and standing in the sector to such a pivotal position.

“With more than 30 years of experience across early years and children’s services, she has a deep understanding of practice on the ground, alongside a strong commitment to supporting leaders, teams and inclusive, nurturing environments for children.

“Sam will bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to quality and improvement, grounded in real experience and a genuine passion for early years education.

“We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Sam Sleeman-Boss said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Partou as Head of Early Years.

“Its approach to early learning, which empowers each child to reach their full potential, is significantly influencing the sector.

“I’m passionate about creating high-quality, nurturing environments where all children belong and thrive.

“I look forward to working with teams across the organisation to build on Partou’s commitment to delivering inspiring and inclusive early years education, particularly for those children who need it most.”