A passion for delivering the highest quality care is this chain's 'magic fairy dust'. Its simple mission statement is 'making children happy by raising the standards and status of childcare'. The group currently comprises three childcare centres and two school-based after-school clubs, in Cheshire and Manchester, with plans to open 12 additional centres over the next five years. Two of its centres are graded 'outstanding'.
Kids Allowed was awarded Highly Commended in last year's awards and has since developed a link with winner Kids 1st so that they can share best practice. Since its last entry, Kids Allowed has achieved its highest occupancy levels ever. Two of the settings are currently operating at 99 per cent occupancy - not surprising when its latest customer satisfaction survey found that 99.6 per cent said they felt 'valued' as a customer and would recommend the chain to others.
Thought is given to the nurseries' outdoor environments, with all rooms having direct access to outside, including those on the first floor, where children enjoy a roof garden. Ratios are in excess of Ofsted requirements; an inspector noted, 'the permanent employment of additional qualified supernumerary staff ensures children's needs will be met by known adults, when staff are absent through holidays or illness, and ensures the consistent high-quality care'.
The chain actively believes that delivering fantastic childcare is all about having a fantastic staff team. All practitioners are encouraged to undertake further qualifications and in-house training is offered. Other staff initiatives include a bonus scheme for everyone and an annual awards ceremony.
Staff who show great potential are given fast-track training so that the new centres can be staffed with people who already understand the company values and can be given long-term career opportunities within the chain.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
London Early Years Foundation
Formerly Westminster Children's Society and recently rebranded, this social enterprise business has operated since 1903. Each of the chain's 20 nurseries, in central London, Barking and Dagenham, has a passion to create unique environments that help to bring out every child's and staff member's potential.
Yellow Dot Nursery
A commitment to constantly improving provision means that standards at Yellow Dot's six Hampshire settings are consistently maintained. The chain attributes its success to the staff team all sharing its ethos of 'inspiring potential'.
FINALISTS
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, 137 nurseries in UK and Ireland
The Co-operative Childcare, six nurseries in the Midlands
Kid Ease, six nurseries in Kent, Norfolk and Essex
Sparklers Private Day Nursery, four nurseries in Dumfries and Galloway
CRITERION
Open to UK nursery groups with three or more settings.
Sponsored by EARLY YEARS at the consortium
