The awards judges were unanimous in recognising the positive contribution that Fit 'N' Fun Kids makes to the lives of local families. The daycare nursery and out-of-school club has 146 children on roll, and also runs 12 creches each week to enable family support groups to take place.
Its most recent initiative has been expanding its premises with a brand new pre-school room, staff room, sleep room and toddler room. Free-flow has been introduced to the outdoor area. Fit 'N' Fun Kids has also developed its family and child transportation service which has opened up new, rewarding experiences for everyone involved.
Through consultation with parents and family services in Cornwall, Fit 'N' Fun Kids has worked tirelessly to ensure that there are no barriers to accessing its services and that the quality of its care activities, resources, facilities and trips are all first-rate.
This has helped its child attendance levels to exceed expectations, and there has been shining feedback from parents. One describes Fit 'N' Fun Kids as 'one big family'.
Staff training has been boosted by achieving the gold standard in Investors in People, recognising the flexible service provided to all children and families by experienced and qualified staff.
Fit 'N' Fun's creche service, which now operates throughout Cornwall, is provided by a fixed team to ensure continuity of care. Without this service many parent support groups would not be able to continue. Staff delivering this essential service are trained in disability awareness, Makaton, speech and language development, baby massage, first aid and much more.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Sandfield Natural Play Centre, Merseyside
Sandfield is an outward-looking organisation that has participated in overseas research and now welcomes visitors to experience its outdoors practice. The business is moving forward to become a centre of excellence for training and research.
FINALIST
Third Door, south London
Criterion: For a new launch of, or significant expansion to, an early years service in the past 12 months.
