Partou Radcliffe Road Day Nursery and Pre-school in West Bridgford, Nottingham has celebrated its 25th anniversary by opening its doors to family members of all ages for a party tea, dancing, games and a host of creative activities.
The special day also included a visit from Lion Learners with children having the opportunity to meet and hold different animals including fluffy bunnies, stick insects, a super speedy tortoise, a blue tongued lizard and an extremely popular corn snake.
Fun and games at Partou Radcliffe Road’s 25th anniversary celebration day
Located just a short distance from Trent Bridge cricket ground and Nottingham city centre, the nursery was established as Scotts Wood 2 in 2000 by Andrew and Zoe Scott.
One of the original team members was Hayley O’Neill who has continued to lead the setting as Nursery Manager including through the transition to its new name under the Partou brand.
Hundreds of local families have benefited from the dedicated and professional approach the nursery has become renowned for over the past quarter of a century, and the team were thrilled to see so many familiar faces returning for a tour and a trip down memory lane.
One of the most familiar was Andrew Scott, who was amazed to see the changes in the setting and excited to be reunited with some of the longest serving team members.
Hayley O’Neill (right), Partou Radcliffe Road Nursery Manager, with fellow team member Heidi who has worked at the setting for 23 years
Writing in a memory book to record the landmark occasion, Andrew observed: "When we started, we managed to build a fantastic team of mature, caring staff. It still clearly is the same today.
“Hayley has always been amazing and an inspiration to us all, her standards of professionalism and sense of humour are second to none and Miss Heidi is still here in our Magic Attic. Thank you!
“So lovely to see such a happy place, here’s to another 25 years!”
Other guests who added comments in the memory book included Hayley Arthur, who wrote: “It was lovely to come back today and visit the nursery. My children loved their time here and have lots of fond memories, they still have friends from their time here! Thank you!”
Also, Elsie and Megan, who remarked: “We loved everything and everyone here and enjoyed coming back. We especially loved The Magic Attic and the quiche.”
An anonymous contributor wrote: “I remember playing piano and pass the parcel in The Magic Attic, this then led me to play piano now, which I really enjoy. I loved it here!”
Another added: “Congratulations on this amazing milestone. 25 years! So wonderful to go down memory lane and see so many familiar faces. Thank you for making this special time so enjoyable.”
Hayley O’Neill, Partou Radcliffe Road Nursery Manager, with Andrew Scott who co-founded the nursery in 2000
Speaking afterwards, Hayley O’Neill, Partou Radcliffe Road Nursery Manager, said: “I was proud to see so many children, parents and grandparents make the trip to be part of our special day.
“It was occasion filled with fun, including watching my colleagues get fully involved in delivering the Lion Learners workshop before running a dance party in every room.
“Working with team members past and present, I have enjoyed every moment of my 25 years here.”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “So many positive comments from families highlight what a special place the nursery holds in the heart of the local community of West Bridgford, Lady Bay and the surrounding areas.
“I want to pay tribute to the team members who have done a magnificent job over the past 25 years, but particularly Hayley who has played such a pivotal role in establishing the nursery’s remarkable reputation.”