A YORK nursery and out-of-school club group is celebrating 20 years of giving fun to thousands of children.

Since 1991, Kaleidoscope has grown from its original base in Foxwood to be a network of five nurseries, plus five-out-of-school clubs in Leeds and York, and cares for children aged up to 12.

Today, those who enjoyed its games and activities over the years, their parents and young families looking for a nursery for their children are invited to its Acomb base at Westfield Primary School for a family fun day to mark the occasion.

“Some of the children we first cared for may well have children of their own now,” said Jane Middlebrook, Kaleidoscope’s managing director.

“It’s about providing quality care and putting the child at the centre.”

The relationship between the nurseries and the children’s parents is also crucial, she said, and won an “outstanding” accolade from Ofsted inspectors during their inspection of one of the Leeds bases.

Kaleidoscope now looks after 580 children and employs more than 130 staff. It organises daily school runs for children who go to its KOOSH or out-of-school clubs and its red and white buses are familiar sights at several local schools.

In addition to the Acomb base, it also runs nurseries on the York St John campus, at St Olave’s in Bootham and two in Leeds. Many of the nurseries also have KOOSH clubs. Park Grove School houses a separate KOOSH club. Today’s celebration, from 10am to 1pm, will include a visit by children’s cartoon hero Buzz Lightyear, outdoor activities and a treasure hunt. All money raised will go to a children’s charity.