Partou Teams Up with UNICEF to Enhance Global Child Development

Partou, the largest childcare provider in the Netherlands, has officially partnered with UNICEF to enhance early childhood development initiatives worldwide. This collaboration aims to support vulnerable children both in the UK and globally, ensuring they have the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Established in 1975, Partou operates over 700 childcare settings, serving more than 70,000 children with a workforce of approximately 9,000 employees. The company expanded its reach in the UK last year by merging Just Childcare and All About Children, now managing 106 nurseries, including The Village Nursery and Pre-school located in Wigan.

Strengthening Support for Vulnerable Children

Partou’s longstanding commitment to UNICEF has now culminated in an official partnership, which enhances their joint efforts to address critical issues affecting children. The partnership will focus on providing Early Childhood Development (ECD) interventions to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds can realize their full potential.

Among the significant initiatives backed by Partou is the 5 Million Futures programme, which aims to provide quality pre-school education to five million children worldwide by 2030. Additionally, Partou is offering flexible funding to UNICEF, enabling the organization to deliver rapid assistance where it is most needed, particularly in crisis situations.

For instance, through the Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund, Partou is contributing to the provision of immediate aid for children affected by conflicts, such as those in Gaza. This flexible funding also supports local initiatives in the UK, like the Baby Friendly Initiative, which enhances care in maternity and neonatal services.

Creating Positive Environments for Growth

UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Award is another area where the partnership can make a substantial impact. This program works with schools across the UK to foster environments that respect children’s rights, nurture their talents, and allow them to flourish.

Samantha Rhodes, Managing Director at Partou, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “UNICEF and Partou share one clear mission: every child deserves the best possible start in life. Whether it’s related to health, development, or protection, children are at the heart of everything we do.”

Rhodes emphasized the synergy created by merging UNICEF’s global insights on children’s rights with Partou’s pedagogical expertise and close contact with families. “By pooling our knowledge, we can make a real difference to many young lives,” she added.

Luke Brocket, Director of Partnerships at UNICEF UK, highlighted the importance of such collaborations, noting, “Children around the world pay the highest price for problems that they didn’t start, whether due to conflict or natural disasters. They are the least responsible yet often the most affected.”

Brocket further stated, “Partnerships with organizations like Partou enable UNICEF to be there whenever and wherever children need us most. By leveraging one another’s strengths, we can deliver long-term, systemic change for children and a legacy for our partners and the world.”

This partnership marks a significant step towards improving the lives of children in need, reinforcing the commitment to ensure every child has access to quality education and essential support.