Early years · Early years inspection (EIF)
Kidz OK Ltd
Summary
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
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.
In line with other reports of this type graded Outstanding.
Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.
How the report reads, start to finish
Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.
Strengths
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- Staff are highly skilled and deliver a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum in which children thrive. p.2
- Children settle exceptionally well in this outstanding setting. p.2
- They show exceptional confidence, curiosity and a love for learning. p.2
- Children display exemplary behaviour, responding positively to staff guidance. p.2
- The setting is highly inclusive, providing excellent support for children with English as an additional language. p.2
Concerns
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No strong criticism found.
Next steps
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What the report dwells on
Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.
Leadership & governance2
“Leaders have highly effective systems to monitor and support staff practice.” p.3
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
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
p.1
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.
p.5
Inspection activities
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Inspection activities
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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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