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Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Aug 2023)
·
4.9(65 parent reviews) ·Alderford Street, Atherton, M46 9DS · Wigan
Number of places
87 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2023
Local authority
Wigan

About this day nursery

Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School, located in Atherton near the town centre, offers exemplary childcare and early years education to families in Atherton, Tyldesley, and surrounding regions. Housed in a beautifully converted Victorian school building, the nursery features spacious, inviting playrooms with abundant natural light and a calming, neutral aesthetic designed to foster cognitive development and unleash children's creativity.

The nursery boasts expansive garden areas, with each room having its own dedicated outdoor space, enabling all children to engage in safe and simultaneous outdoor play, vital for emotional regulation, motor and social skill development, and confidence building as part of the early years curriculum. The nursery also maintains a strong relationship with a local forest school, offering additional outdoor learning opportunities.

A dedicated and long-serving team, including a Nursery Manager with over two decades of experience and a Senior Deputy of over seven years, ensures consistent, high-quality care and leadership, fostering robust parent partnerships that support children in thriving confidently. The nursery team organises family fundraising events like summer fetes and Christmas festivities, with proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald Charity, a cause close to the nursery community's heart.

These events promote empathy and social skills while strengthening community bonds. The nursery actively collaborates with local schools to prepare children for their transition to primary education, inviting new teachers to meet children and key workers in the Pre-School.

Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School is ideal for families in Atherton seeking a warm, dedicated team that builds strong partnerships and prepares children for their future educational journeys.

Our ethos

Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School's philosophy is centred on fostering cognitive development and creativity through a blend of indoor and outdoor play, with a strong emphasis on developing emotional regulation, motor, and social skills. They value strong parent partnerships and community involvement, and actively prepare children for primary education through collaboration with local schools. The nursery also highlights a connection with a local forest school for additional outdoor learning opportunities.

What it's like

Children have a wonderful time at this setting, learning through meaningful activities like observing life cycles and caring for fresh flowers. The curriculum builds on existing knowledge, enhancing learning as children progress through rooms and preparing them for school. Strong community links allow children to experience local places like the library and park, fostering a sense of identity.

Converted Victorian buildingLarge garden areasLong-standing staff teamForest School linksFamily fundraising events

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged across 51 weeks of the year for full-day, morning, and afternoon sessions. Standard fees include care, meals, snacks, and consumables. Government funding covers core care hours only, with meals and consumables charged additionally.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Non-refundable registration fee or deposit of £75 required upon registration.
  • Closed on Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year.
  • Charges are applied across 51 weeks of the year, including Bank Holidays.
  • Government funding covers care fees only; meals, snacks, and consumables are charged.
  • Offers 5% discount for the eldest sibling and 5% Blue Light Card discount (cannot be combined).

Key facts

Opening hours

Mon - Fri, 7.15am to 6.00pm (excl. bank holidays)

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School

Last inspected 4 August 2023 · Louise Masterson

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children have a wonderful time at this setting, learning through meaningful activities like observing life cycles and caring for fresh flowers. The curriculum builds on existing knowledge, enhancing learning as children progress through rooms and preparing them for school. Strong community links allow children to experience local places like the library and park, fostering a sense of identity.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are greeted individually by friendly staff, creating a sense of belonging and helping new children settle well.
  • Staff have created a lending library with recorded stories to promote a love of books and support children's development.
  • Leaders and staff prioritise all children making good progress and being ready for their next stage in learning.
  • Staff set up well-resourced areas, both indoors and outdoors, with age-appropriate activities for all ages.
  • Children clearly have a voice, with staff consulting them about the environment and their learning, leading to creations like an outdoor shop and new construction area.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to help parents better understand the setting's approach to education and care to fully promote continuity in children's learning.
Inspection #10301413 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff appreciate that children learn in different ways and at different rates. They cater for this by adapting their teaching practice and ensuring children are effectively supported. Children with sensory issues enjoy specialist resources, for example bubble tubes, vibration pillows in the cosy area and edible activities.

Outdoor space

Staff set up well resourced areas, both indoors and outdoors. This has resulted in the creation of an outdoor shop, new construction area and a lily pad art project for the frogs.

Parent Reviews of Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School

4.9
(65)
Reanne Mcgowan
3 months ago

Footprints nursery are absolutely amazing! I wouldn’t leave my children anywhere else. The staff go above and beyond and make it feel like home. Both my boys have settled in really well at footprints and look forward to going to nursery. The staff are so welcoming and caring. The settling in sessions are great and when they think the child is ready and happy to start they let you know they let me have as many days as it took for my youngest to settle in. My eldest who goes there also has come on so much since starting and is so excited when we arrive at nursery. It’s very reassuring that I can see how happy my children are there and how loving the staff are with them. I will be really sad when it’s time for my children to leave footprints to go to school. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a lovely welcoming setting.

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Rhea Kane
7 months ago

In a world where people tend to only review negative things I think it's nice to give credit where credits due. I think Emily is truly a credit to your Footprints team. I feel like she genuinely cares about Bobby and our family and enjoys him being in class. Bobby going to nursery has been something I've struggled with immensely but Footprints has made that journey as easy as possible. As much as I miss him when he's there, I never worry about if he's not being looked after or if he's not having fun. The care he receives is fantastic and I know he enjoys it so much. All the staff have been truly wonderful, even everyone who opens the door or passes in the corridor are friendly and polite. But Emily in particular, along with Sam and Alarna have been incredible. Emily giving Bobby star of the week last week is what prompted me to send this message. It wasn't something we even knew you did and definitely not something we expected until he went to school at least but it was such a lovely surprise and so nice to know that others can see how special we think he is. Our photos of Bobby we've received this morning were another lovely surprise and we'll definitely be putting our order in. You are a very thoughtful team and we love to see all the things he gets up to. We'll definitely be sending our next baby on her Footprints journey come January 2027. Thank you again.

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Daisy Prescott
3 months ago

We couldn’t be happier with footprints 👣 From the very first day, the team made both us and our son feel completely welcome and at ease. He is in the baby room, and the staff there are absolutely amazing. They are so caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child’s wellbeing and development. It truly feels like a home-from-home environment. In just six weeks, we’ve already seen such visible progress in him. His confidence has grown, he’s settled so well, and it’s been incredible to see how happy and comfortable he is there. The team clearly put so much thought into supporting each baby individually. The communication is outstanding. When he first started, I rang every single day for reassurance, and every call was answered with patience, kindness, and understanding. Not once was I made to feel like a nuisance — instead, my mind was always put at ease. The staff are so supportive to parents as well as the children, which makes such a difference. The meals provided are excellent, and it’s reassuring to know he’s being given such good quality food. We’re always kept informed about his day, his progress, and any little updates, which gives us complete peace of mind. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better nursery. We’re so grateful to the entire team for everything they do and would wholeheartedly recommend them to any parent.

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Ema McMillan
7 months ago

My son loves attending Footprints. The staff are all very warm and welcoming. As a first time Mum I was very nervous about sending my son to nursery but the staff made me feel at ease instantly. They form great relationships with the children and get to know and understand them really quickly. I love receiving regular updates including photos throughout the day. The children here are happy, nurtured and well cared for. I am excited to see how my son will grow and develop here over the next few years.

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Chelsie Odwyer
8 months ago

My baby has just conpleted his first week here at footprints and I couldn’t be happier with the care and attention my child has been given. The managers here are so welcoming and understanding during the process of being a first time parent. The staff are incredible at what they do and you can see the passion for the children! There nursery as a whole has a great and friendly atmosphere which makes you feel settled as a parent! I would 100% recommend and I am incredibly happy with the love and care we have received on our first week!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: January 2018

  • August 2023Good
  • January 2018Good

Frequently asked about Partou Footprints Day Nursery & Pre-School

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