Partou Bumpkins Day Nursery and Pre-School in Whaddon has been shortlisted for Outdoor Learning Environment of the Year at the prestigious National NMT Nursery Awards.
The award will be given to the nursery which has, in the view of the judges, “created an outdoor ‘living classroom’ that inspires and excites children.”
Partou Bumpkins is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the exceptional levels of childcare and early years education it provides to families throughout Royston.
The nursery’s outdoor learning environment, Nature Rangers, invites children aged three and above to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.
Nestled within a spacious grassy area featuring a classroom, known as ‘the cabin,’ Nature Rangers integrates all seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Children engage in a wide array of activities across distinct areas such as a large sandpit, firepit area, mud kitchen, bug houses, herb garden, mud mound, obstacle course and a bird lookout house.
They are encouraged to explore freely, fostering a child-led approach to learning which is central to Partou’s ethos across the 106 nurseries it operates in the UK.
Partou Bumpkins Day Nursery and Pre-School in Whaddon which is been shortlisted for the National NMT Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment of the Year Award
Amy Chipperfield, Partou Bumpkins Nursery Manager, said: “As a team, we are passionate in our belief that children should have endless opportunities to explore and learn whilst being in a safe and happy environment.
“Nature Rangers is designed to empower children by fostering confidence and creativity through a blend of structured safety protocols and open-ended, nature-based activities.
“We are over the moon that the outdoor environment we have crafted has impressed the judging panel for such a high profile national award.
“It is a shared success for the team members, families and children at our beautiful nursery.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “Partou Bumpkins is run wonderfully well by a long-standing nursery team that boasts strong relationships with families and children throughout the local community.
“As Nursery Manager, Amy began her journey at Bumpkins almost 12 years ago as an unqualified practitioner before gaining her qualifications and a wealth of experience whilst working in several different roles.
“The depth of knowledge she has built up over this period goes a long way to explaining why the nursery is so highly regarded locally and nationally.
“Nature Rangers is a shining example of what can be achieved by creative thinking, professionalism and an understanding of the individual needs and interests of young children.”