Kidszone is a fun, caring and friendly afterschool and holiday care provision for children aged 3-11 years. From 1 September 2022 we will be based at St Pauls CE Primary School, St Pauls Road, Withington. (We were previously based at Withington Scout Hut). Our care is based on secure, stimulating and creative play led by the children and overseen and encouraged by the staff.
Our current team consists of 1 manager, 1 deputy manager, 5 playwork staff, 1 administrator and 2 directors. All senior playwork staff hold level 3 or above in playwork/early years. We operate a ratio of at least 1 staff member to 8 children regardless of their age.
We place great emphasis on fun, creative ideas and trying new things. We ask the children for their ideas and then work with them to make all sorts of activities happen. We have themed weeks in afterschool and holiday care and plan activities and trips around these. The children learn many new skills and facts through enjoying the crafts, challenges, games, visiting experts and off site trips (holiday care) that we organise. And we assess everything we do so that if something doesn't work or isn't fun then we will improve it or not do it again.
We encourage indepedence in all ages of children that come to Kidszone through self service snacks and drinks, choosing what they want to play with, being free to go indoors or outdoors or just to sit and chill with a book if they want to.
We have created picture galleries for afterschool and holiday care which show the variety of activities and fun in action. Have a look here.
Kidszone's Story
Kidszone has operated an afterschool care provision for over 10 years. It was initially set up by parents of children attending St Paul's CE Primary School, Withington and was based in church halls.
In January 2012 Kidszone moved into the newly renovated Withington Scout Hut and we worked with Ofsted and the Scout Hut Committee to get the Scout Hut equipped and registered as a suitable venue prior to us moving in.
In February 2012 Kidszone launched its Holiday Care and operates holiday care every holiday except Christmas/December holiday.
In November 2013 Kidszone became Kidszone Out of School Care Limited with Lisa Barber and Elaine Lees as its directors.
In April 2016 Kidszone was inspected by Ofsted and awarded Outstanding in all areas - something that we had been working towards for many years. Our aim now is to remain an outstanding provision and constantly work to improve our offer for children and parents.
In Dec 2019 Kidszone was inspected by Ofsted under the new Out of School EY guidelines and received a 'Met' inspection - the highest grade available.
From 1 Sept 2022 Kidszone moved to St Pauls CE Primary School for afterschool and holiday care and this will be our base now for the future, working closely with the school team and we are excited to have exclusive use of the school hall for our provision and access to the much larger outdoor space.
We are always planning new activities and resources and consult regularly with the children as to what we should invest in and develop for afterschool and holiday care.
Kidszone also supports the local community through offering work experience placements with Chorlton High School for the past three years and offering Duke of Edinburgh Award voluntary placements with Parrs Wood High School students.
Kidszone is a member of the Out of School Alliance and supports all staff through continuing professional development.