The Thames Club Day Nursery and Pre-school in Staines has earned a ‘Good’ rating in all areas from Ofsted, following a recent inspection. Located conveniently near the town centre with easy transport links to London, the nursery is one of 106 UK nurseries under the Partou brand, following a merger between Just Childcare and All About Children.
In her report, the Ofsted inspector observed that children at The Thames Club are eager to enter the nursery with their parents, noting the strong bonds between the children and the staff. “Staff and their key children demonstrate strong bonds with each other. This enables children to feel secure with these familiar adults,” she stated.
The report highlighted the nursery’s focus on fostering communication, independence, and social skills among children. “Children make good progress,” wrote the inspector, who also noted that the nursery provides a curriculum to engage all children, including those with special educational needs. “The provider understands what they want children to learn and ensures a curriculum that meets their needs.”
The nursery’s management received particular praise for its clear oversight and dedication to enhancing outcomes for children. The report observed that management has a comprehensive view of the nursery’s operations and has implemented measures to improve staff practices and child outcomes. “Management is clear of its responsibilities to protect children, and staff with key roles for safeguarding implement these procedures appropriately,” the inspector noted.
The Ofsted assessment included a tour of the nursery, observation of the quality of education, and discussions with children, families, and staff members. The report commended the team for being “good role models” and noted that children benefit from clear guidance on expectations, contributing to a positive learning environment.
The nursery’s partnership with families was also acknowledged as a key strength. Parents reported satisfaction with the information shared by staff, both through daily discussions and an online app, with the inspector describing these family partnerships as “strong.”
Safeguarding practices at The Thames Club were similarly commended, with the inspector noting an “open and positive culture around safeguarding” that prioritises children’s welfare.
Nicola Walker, Manager of The Thames Club Nursery, expressed pride in the Ofsted rating and the nursery’s focus on child development. “Together with a large outdoor space where the children can explore nature, The Thames Club offers a well-equipped indoor environment with age-specific playrooms to support various developmental stages. It’s very rewarding for our team to see our dedication recognised by Ofsted,” she said.
Samantha Rhodes, Managing Director of Partou, also praised the nursery’s achievements, crediting the team’s commitment to each child’s unique needs. “As the Ofsted report clearly highlights, Nicola and her team’s personalised approach to each child’s learning journey is both inspiring and impactful,” she remarked.
The report is seen as a significant endorsement of The Thames Club Day Nursery’s dedication to high-quality childcare and education, with the Ofsted inspection results widely welcomed by staff, families, and management.