These are challenging times for the childcare sector in many ways, says Laura Farnworth, manager of Partou Storytimes, which provides care for children aged 0 to 5. "This is a time full of questions, both for parents and children," she explains. "Childcare can help find answers and create an environment where children get the best possible start. We do this by truly getting to know each child and discovering in which areas they need support or encouragement."
A strong foundation
The three core values – care, compassion, and continuous learning – form the foundation of the successful approach in the UK. Children are given the building blocks to grow into confident, emotionally intelligent, and motivated learners. Decades of experience have shown that every child has individual needs. That’s why each child requires a tailored approach to ensure they start school as resiliently as possible after daycare.
More nature
Some adjustments are influenced by the locations of the daycare settings. Children living in the middle of a city, for example, often have little exposure to nature. But nature is a crucial element in early childhood education. These settings need to make a greater effort to incorporate nature into a child’s experience – such as organizing more walks in the forest or playing in a park that might be a little farther away.
Another example is the increased focus on English language development in neighbourhoods with a high number of UK residents who are not native English speakers. We know that children who have a strong grasp of a country’s primary language have better opportunities in life, so whenever we can contribute to that, we certainly should.
Meeting the needs of today
This philosophy is also evident at Partou Storytimes nursery & pre-school in Manchester. Located in the Atherton neighbourhood, the nursery won a prestigious national award last year for the way its environment is designed.
"It’s not an easy award to win," Laura says. "Hundreds of candidates apply each year. A shortlist of ten finalists is created, and then a panel of experts and teachers evaluates them." According to the jury, the Partou Storytimes team is "exceptionally dedicated to the children." The childcare professionals start thinking about a child's needs from the very first meeting. "Our environment is designed to motivate and stimulate children, making them curious and independent," Laura explains.
Parents are also involved, for example, by bringing items from home to help their child feel more comfortable in the home corner. This is especially important for children from foreign backgrounds or those with dual nationalities.
A major role for books
Books play an important role in Partou Storytimes' approach. The name itself reflects the nursery’s book- and story-inspired design. The daycare consists of multiple rooms where children are grouped by age, each filled with toys and materials suited to their interests and development levels.
The jury also praised the way books and storytelling are integrated into the daily routine of the childcare professionals. "We believe it’s essential for children to learn that there is more than just the digital world that dominates our lives today," Laura says.
"We incorporate books into as many activities as possible. If we cook, we use a cookbook. It happens naturally, but books are crucial for stimulating children’s imagination and creativity." Parents are also actively encouraged to participate. "It’s great if children become familiar with books here," Laura says, "but it’s even
better if they are read to at home as well."
The value and impact of a child’s time in daycare should never be underestimated. "We are not just preparing children for school; we are preparing them for life," Laura emphasises. "With this approach, we have the opportunity to give them a strong foundation for a happy future."
A commitment to care
No matter where Partou is, we strive to make a difference: for children, families, our people, and the planet. Curious about what we do, what we dream of, and the challenges we face?