The nursery, located on Northampton Road, received high praise for its “warm and welcoming environment” and the “caring and nurturing staff team” that ensures children feel safe and settled. The official Ofsted report describes the setting as one where children are “happy” and develop “secure emotional attachments” with their caregivers, contributing to strong relationships and the confidence children display as they learn.

The nursery, which caters to children up to five years old, was commended for its “ambitious and well-implemented curriculum,” which motivates children to engage in their learning. The inspector also noted the team’s dedication to planning tailored educational experiences for each child, based on their individual interests and developmental needs.

The report highlights that the staff at Partou Progress House are particularly skilled in identifying and addressing the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). “Staff quickly identify gaps in children’s learning and put targeted support in place,” the inspector writes. “Managers work alongside other professionals to support children and families both in the nursery and at home, ensuring children with SEND make good progress.”

Equally important, the report emphasises the strong relationships between the nursery team and parents. The inspector observed that parents feel valued and appreciated, with many describing the nursery as “like a family.” The settling-in process for new children was also highlighted as a key strength, ensuring that children transition into the nursery with ease.

Elaine Armstrong, the nursery manager, expressed pride in the positive outcome, saying, “It is always heartening to receive upbeat feedback about the work we do. On a professional level, it is particularly pleasing to know that the families feel we are doing a good job on their behalf.”

Samantha Rhodes, Managing Director of Partou, added, “At Partou, we believe that children lead the way. The team is here to care for them and nurture their emerging abilities, not to dictate what comes next. This Ofsted report shows that the team at Partou Progress House, under Elaine’s direction, have successfully created a nurturing environment for children and families.”

The nursery’s achievement reflects the high standards set by Partou, a well-known provider of quality early years education across the UK. The staff’s approach, which focuses on understanding and supporting each child’s unique needs, continues to earn praise from both parents and inspectors alike.

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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.

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The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, described the change as a “generational reform,” emphasising that single headline grades fail to offer a fair and accurate reflection of a school’s overall performance across various critical areas. Under the new system, parents will now receive detailed grades across four key sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Phillipson stressed that this reform is part of the government’s broader mission to break down barriers to opportunity and to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. “Parents deserve a much clearer, much broader picture of how schools are performing,” she said. “This government will make inspection a more powerful, more transparent tool for driving school improvement. We promised change, and now we are delivering.”

This reform is seen as a precursor to the introduction of School Report Cards, which are scheduled to be implemented from September 2025. These report cards will provide a comprehensive overview of a school’s performance, offering parents a more detailed and transparent insight into how their child’s school is faring. Recent surveys indicate strong support for this approach, with 77% of parents favouring the move.

The decision to scrap single-word judgements comes in the wake of extensive consultations with the education sector and the family of Ruth Perry, a headteacher whose tragic death was linked to the pressures of the Ofsted inspection process. The government has committed to working closely with Ofsted and other stakeholders to ensure that the transition to this new system is smooth and effective.

Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind, welcomed the decision, stating that the new approach strikes the right balance between school accountability and the need for supportive, constructive feedback. “Parents want inspections that help schools improve while giving a clear verdict on the quality of education,” he said. “Today’s announcement is a big step in the right direction.”

Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, echoed this sentiment, praising the removal of “simplistic” one-word judgements. He highlighted the importance of a more proportionate and fair system of accountability, which focuses on supporting schools rather than penalising them.

In addition to these changes, the government has also outlined plans to introduce Regional Improvement Teams by early 2025. These teams will work directly with struggling schools to address areas of weakness, aligning with the government’s commitment to raising educational standards across the country.

The government will continue to intervene in schools identified as being of serious concern, including through the issuance of academy orders where necessary. However, the focus will now be on providing support and resources to help schools improve, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

Today’s announcement builds on the recently introduced Children’s Wellbeing Bill, which seeks to place the welfare of children at the heart of the education system, ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their full potential.

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