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Early years · Early years inspection (EIF)

Kidz OK Ltd

Inspected 31 Mar 2025 · published 29 Apr 2025 · URN EY420490

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Summary

Outstanding

Emily Woodhead

What we read, and from where

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  • Group verified

    Kidz OK Ltd

  • Group reference verified

    RP525274

  • Inspection date verified

    31 Mar 2025

  • Inspectors verified

    Emily Woodhead

  • Behaviour and attitudes verified

    Outstanding

  • Leadership and management verified

    Outstanding

  • Overall effectiveness verified

    Outstanding

  • Personal development verified

    Outstanding

  • Previous overall verified

    Outstanding

  • Quality of education verified

    Outstanding

  • Name on report verified

    Kidz OK Ltd

  • URN verified

    EY420490

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

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Grade profile

Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2014.

  • OverallOutstanding
  • Behaviour and attitudesOutstanding
  • Leadership and managementOutstanding
  • Personal developmentOutstanding
  • Quality of educationOutstanding

11% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Outstanding (17,905 inspections).

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+92Very positivemore positive than 57% of reports of this type graded Outstanding
OutstandingGoodRIInadequate

In line with other reports of this type graded Outstanding.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praiseoutstandingstrongexceptionalexemplaryexcellenteffectivehighly effectiveexceptionally
Criticismgaps

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsSafeguardingAbout the inspection positive critical
  • Findings727w+92
  • Safeguarding20w+50

Strengths

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Concerns

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No strong criticism found.

Next steps

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What the report dwells on

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Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
6
Words of findings
715
about usual (typical 818)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 37, typical 49
Average sentence
15 words
Next steps
1
typical 0
Hedged sentences
2%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 59%Safeguarding 2%About the inspection 39%

Full report text

Inspection of Kidz OK Ltd Early Years Building, Little Parndon Primary School, Park Mead, Harlow, Essex CM20 1PU

p.1

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children settle exceptionally well in this outstanding setting. They are warmly welcomed by staff who engage with families to share key information. Staff are highly skilled and deliver a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum in which children thrive. Children quickly immerse themselves and become deeply engaged in their learning environment, choosing from a wide range of resources tailored to their interests. They show exceptional confidence, curiosity and a love for learning. Staff play alongside children, helping to build on their learning and development, making the most of teachable moments to help children build on what they know and can do and what they need to do next.

p.2

The provision is outstanding

Children's choices are consistently valued, from selecting songs during group time to influencing their learning environment. Independence and confidence are fostered through routines. Children proudly take responsibility such as by announcing snack time by ringing a bell. They choose when to eat, serve themselves from the healthy snack station and are encouraged to try new foods, receiving praise from staff. Children display exemplary behaviour, responding positively to staff guidance. Kindness and achievements are celebrated through 'wow' and 'kind-hand' awards, reinforcing positive interactions and boosting self- esteem. Children show deep respect for staff and their peers, forming strong friendships and playing together harmoniously.

p.2

need to do better?

n Transitions into the setting and on to school are managed with great care. Staff work closely with families to ensure a smooth settling-in process, offering stay- and-play sessions and gradually increasing transition times based on individual needs. Children receive a book featuring their new teachers to help them become familiar with their new environment. Staff also establish strong relationships with local schools, ensuring children develop essential skills, such as independence and emotional resilience, to support their readiness for school. n Staff use expert teaching strategies, including open-ended questioning to encourage children to solve problems. Communication and language are a strong focus, with staff using signing and visual prompts to support children's understanding. Children develop literacy skills through engaging storytelling sessions using props. They recall the meaning of words they have learned, such

p.2

need to do better?

as 'grazing', and confidently use new words in conversation. n The setting is highly committed to supporting children with gaps in their development. Staff work closely with a wide range of external professionals to ensure children receive appropriate interventions. Children benefit from meticulous, individualised support, allowing them to fully engage with learning experiences. This ensures that all children, regardless of their starting points,

p.2

need to do better?

31 March 2025 make significant progress in their learning and development. n The outdoor environment is superbly resourced, supporting physical development and exploration. Children become immersed in exploring mud kitchens and gardening activities. They build essential strength in their core muscles as they navigate over climbing equipment and play on see-saws. n The setting is highly inclusive, providing excellent support for children with English as an additional language. Staff make thoughtful adaptations, incorporating dual-language books and speaking children's home languages. Cultural diversity is celebrated, promoting a strong sense of belonging and encouraging children to appreciate what makes them unique. The 'I wonder' board is a particularly effective tool in sparking discussions about cultural celebrations and broadening children's understanding of the world. n Mathematics is seamlessly woven throughout daily activities. Counting and

p.2

need to do better?

exposure to visual numbers help children to learn how to count and recognise numbers. They manipulate puzzles, helping to build on positional learning. These help children to build on the foundations for understanding mathematical concepts. n The setting demonstrates outstanding practice in building trusting partnerships with parents. Staff go above and beyond to establish secure bonds with families, ensuring they fully understand their needs. Bespoke workshops are offered to parents, covering key topics, such as communication development and school readiness, ensuring that children receive a holistic approach to their learning and development. n Leaders have highly effective systems to monitor and support staff practice. Staff receive regular supervision, and leaders conduct observations to assess and enhance teaching quality to the highest level. A culture of continuous reflection and improvement is embedded within the setting. Staff demonstrate outstanding

p.3

need to do better?

teamwork, ensuring effective deployment so all children are fully supported in their play and learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY420490 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10380632 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 48 Number of children on roll 60 Name of registered person Kidz OK Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01279 414706 Date of previous inspection 17 June 2019

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Kidz OK Ltd registered in 2011 and is located in Harlow, Essex. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday, from 9.30am until 3.30pm, during school term time. There are 18 members of childcare staff, of whom 10 hold early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The pre-school provides funded early education for eligible children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the setting and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity in the Elmer room with the room leader. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. The inspector spoke with parents and carers during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of staff training and a selection of other records.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.5

Inspection activities

31 March 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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