Timeout placement

I'm a fairly new daycare. I'm having a problem using timeout. A few of my parents actually asked if I use it for discipline. They use it at home so the children are familiar. I now have a beautiful timeout bench my dad made. The problem is, the younger kids don't understand how timeout works. For example, 2 year old L goes to time out. He sits on the bench. 18 month old and 1 yr old go and sit with him or bring him toys. I am not going to expect 2 yr old to ignore the distraction. That's too much for that age in my opinion. I have my kitchen gated off but it is completely childproof. And my house is open concept. Kitchen and living/dining separated by peninsula cupboards. Would it be appropriate to put the time out area in the kitchen and have them physically separated from the other kids and activities?

Yes, I think so! Time out needs to be away from the group with as little distraction as possible. Obviously a safe place still though.

Under 2-2.5, I don't do a typical timeout. I call it a time away. They are removed from the area they caused trouble in, placed where I can see them (in same room), are given a book and told in simple words that what they did is not acceptable. At this age, they don't understand time outs because they are still learning how to behave and what rules are. It's up to us to teach them not discipline yet IMO.

Yes, move time out chair. Or move children joining child in time out and say that buddy in time out at moment, you need come away for now, and physically move his friend away.
It not just child in time out who need learn what it for but also other daycare children need learn what appropriate when their friend in time out.

Yes. Move timeout bench to ur kitchen. Where u can still see him but is away from other children.

Thanks everyone. I can see the kids anywhere they are in my house from anywhere. It works really well. So I will still be able to supervise those in timeout and still continue on with our day. 2 of my kids already use time out at home so they understand the concept. 2 are still too young but are being taught.

I see no problem with putting them in the kitchen.
Be ready to explain it simply and clearly to any parents that may have questions if their child goes home and mangles it (I got locked alone in the kitchen lol). But if you have full visual parents can't really complain.

It was actually a parent suggestion! The parent whose kid is in timeout the most as he's testin his boundaries with me!