Welcome to Sticky Fingers and OASTies!

OFSTED Registration No:  EY271308
 
Now providing Nursery Education, Early Years, After-School
 and Holiday Childcare

Parents’ Pack

1.Aims
1.1 Sticky Fingers  and OASTies  aim to offer children and parents quality nursery education and childcare in a safe, stimulating and friendly environment in which the children’s personal, social and educational development flourish.
1.2 We provide a range of activities, trips and opportunities which will mainly take place at the Youth and Children’s  Centre in Wadhurst.   We are registered to work with up to  32 children aged from 2-11 years old with the recommended  staff:child  ratios.  Parents may apply for nursery education here in the term their child is 3 years of age
1.3 Our provision is registered with Ofsted to provide nursery education in 2 sessions, all day and sessional childcare to meet the needs of the children and provide for the most flexible arrangements for parents. [See table below]. Sticky Fingers  and OASTies  are directly managed through Uplands Extended Provision and are accountable to the School Governors. 
1.4 We work in close partnership with our local primary schools in providing support and have joined up with Wadhurst nursery to offer the wrap around day care for those children who attend either the morning or afternoon sessions

2. Staffing
2.1 We have a lead manager, John McKenzie, who is the registered person with the strategic overview and Lesley Napier who will be responsible for the day to day management and supervision of childcare here.  We have a childcare coordinator, Paula Keene, who has a Level 3 qualification in childcare and qualified assistants.
2.2  Responsibility for administration and bookings is Vicky McKenzie (01892 784342) 46vmc@uplandscc.e-sussex.sch.uk.  Her office is at the front of the main building.
2.3  We are also supported by a variety of helpers and volunteers.  These may include youth workers, sports centre staff, responsible adults and sixth formers.

3. Location
3.1 We are based in Uplands Youth and Children’s Centre, almost opposite Uplands Community College in Wadhurst, East Sussex.

4. Transport
4.1 Children are collected from local primary schools by minibus and taken to the Youth and Children’s Centre under supervision directly when the school days ends.  The driver will be supported by  childcare workers.
5. Opening Times
5.1 Sticky Fingers and OASTies is open from 9.00am to 6.00pm.   There is a Breakfast Club available (hopefully from 8.00am – 9.00pm) – please ask for details.  We will be open for all day bookings on In Service Training days.   Sticky Fingers  and OASTies will be closed for all bank holidays and during the Christmas and New Year period.

Admissions Policy

It is our intention to make our childcare genuinely accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community. In order to accomplish this, we will:

Ensure that the existence of the Sticky Fingers and OASTies is widely known. We will place notices advertising childcare in places where all sections of the community can see them.

• Arrange our waiting list as follows:
  Children resident in the parish of Wadhurst
   Date of birth of child
   A child with a sibling that has already attended the playgroup
   Date of application

In the event of there being more applicants than places available, preference will be given to those children reaching the age of 3 in the academic year

Keep a place vacant, if this is financially viable, in order to accommodate emergency admissions

Describe Sticky Fingers and OASTies and its practices in terms which make it clear that it welcomes both fathers and mothers, other relations and other carers, including childminders, and people from all cultural, ethnic, religious and social groups, with and without disabilities

Monitor the gender and ethnic background of children joining the group to ensure that no accidental discrimination is taking place

Be flexible about attendance patterns so as to accommodate the needs of individual children and families

Continue to consult parents to ensure that the group goes on meeting the changing needs of the local community

Your Questions Answered….

6. How often can my child come to Sticky Fingers and OASTies?
6.1 Your child can come to Sticky Fingers and OASTies to suit your childcare and nursery education needs.   In the term your child is 3 years of age you are able to apply for  five  free sessions (two and a half hours) of nursery education per week.  In other words you cannot, at the moment due to government regulations, divide the nursery education sessions between us and Wadhurst nursery.  For the childcare elements of Sticky Fingers you will need to pre-pay and pre book a place for the sessions at the beginning of each term. For OASTies, places need to be booked up and paid for a term in advance.  Late/one off bookings will be accepted in an emergency as long as there is a place available.  Unfortunately we do not offer any refunds for pre booked children. 
6.2 Where children are booked in for a significant amount of time, we will want them to experience ‘taster days’ before joining us full time to help them settle into Sticky Fingers and OASTies.

7. How much does it cost?

        * Siblings booking for two or more full days:  £20.00 each/day.

7.1 Trips
If we go on a trip there will be an additional charge to cover the cost of entrance fees for the children where necessary
7.2 What does the fee include?
Full care with qualified child-care workers who are registered and vetted through OFSTED and all activity costs,  afternoon refreshments (sandwiches, etc) and programme materials.
7.3 Additional fees for late Collection
Any child still at Sticky Fingers or OASTies 15 minutes after the chosen session ends will be booked as a ‘late collection’ which incurs an extra charge of £5.  Even if you are only a couple of minutes late due to heavy traffic, this charge will have to be made as we need to have a fair system for everyone.
 7.4 How do I pay?
For Sticky Fingers and OASTies you must pay in advance for the term ahead.   You will be invoiced at the beginning of each term and payment should be made within a stated time.  Late payments will incur a £10.00 late payment charge.  Payments can be handed to the leader in charge or posted to: Vicky McKenzie, Uplands Youth and Children’s Centre, Lower High Street, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6AX.  Please make cheques payable to Uplands CC.
7.5 As a registered childcare provider, Child Tax Credits are available to offset the costs at OASTies and Sticky Fingers. Contact the Inland Revenue helpline on 0845 300 3900

8. How does my child join?
Ring the Youth and Children’s Centre Office  (Tel. 01892 784342) to check that there is a place available.  Complete the Registration and Booking forms, and Consent forms (see appendices i – iv) and return them to the Youth and Children’s Centre Office.  Once your booking has been accepted, you will be sent a confirmation letter and a contract to sign and return.
 
9. Do I have to give notice if my child leaves Sticky Fingers or OASTies?
We require at least two weeks notice if you decide your child is to leave Sticky Fingers or OASTies.  This must please be put in writing and addressed and sent to Lesley Napier at the Youth and Children’s centre.

More Information

10. Cancellations
10.1  Due to the staffing arrangements we have put in place for Sticky Fingers and OASTies.   It will not be possible to offer refunds.
10.2 In the case of unexpected non-attendance, it is VITAL that a message is left with our team.  Tel: 01892 784342 and leave a message . 

11. Holidays
11.1 If you let us know 2 weeks in advance, we will keep a place open for you as per your normal booking.

12. Collection of Children
12.1 Where applicable children will be collected from their schools at the end of their school day/sessions  by childcare workers.  When you arrange a place for your child, the details of collection for your child will be confirmed in writing, and the child’s school will be informed.
12.2 Children MUST be collected by the nominated time from the Youth  and Children’s Centre at the end of the session.   Please note the name of the person who will be collecting your child on the booking form.  If this changes ever, please make sure the leaders are told in advance. Please note that there will be no reduction in charges if a child is collected before the end of the sessions.  Please also note our late collection policy [7.3]

13. Attendance at Activities at Uplands Community College
13.1 If your child attends other activities at Uplands Community Technology College, he/she will be escorted over and become the responsibility of those organising the activity.   If this activity ends before 6.00pm during term time, and 5.00pm during holiday time, your child will be collected and taken back to the Youth and Children’s Centre.  Otherwise, responsibility for collection from the activity  will be with the parent or a named adult.    Please let us know the days that this will be happening.   Please note, there will be no reduction in childcare costs for this.

14. Health
14.1 If your child is sick please follow the instructions under CANCELLATION above.  Sticky Fingers and OASTies cannot accept a child who has not been at school during the day due to illness or who has fallen ill during the day. Please be aware of the time that children should be kept away from contact with other children following any illnesses.

15. Medication
14.1 Please inform the childcare workers if your child is taking any medication.  Please make sure you give us  details of any health issues on the registration form. 

16.Accidents
16.1 Sticky Fingers and OASTies childcare workers will have current First Aid qualifications.  A minor accident will be dealt with and recorded, and parents will be informed at the end of the session.  In the case of more serious accidents, appropriate action will be taken, and parents will be contacted immediately.

17.Snacks and packed lunches
17.1  The children attending Sticky Fingers for the morning + session and joining us from the morning place at the Nursery will be expected to bring a packed lunch.
17.2  OASTies will provide a variety of food for your child at tea-time, ie fruit, sandwiches, biscuits.
17.3 If your child suffers from any food allergies, eg peanuts or diary products, you must let us know and complete a health care form.  If your child is on a special diet, please discuss this with the childcare workers.
17.4 Children are not allowed to bring their own sweets. 

18. Equal Opportunities
18.1  Sticky Fingers and OASTies is committed to the principles and practise of equal opportunities.  A copy of our policy statement is available from the childcare workers.

19. Special Educational Needs
19.1 Sticky Fingers and OASTies are committed to providing care for children of all abilities.

20. Code of Behaviour and child protection
20.1 Everyone involved in  Sticky Fingers and OASTies is encouraged to base all their relationships on mutual respect for each other.  Children are encouraged to use our code of behaviour in all their play.
20.2 We have a set of rules which have be drawn up in consultation with the children from OASTies
20.3 It will sometimes be necessary to discuss any behaviour difficulties with the child and parents concerned.
20.4 In extreme circumstances, we reserve the right to withdraw our offer of a place to a child where we feel the overall safety and security of other children may be at risk.
20.5 If we have a concern about the safety and care of  children who come to Sticky Fingers and  OASTies, it is our policy to share that with the Headteacher of their Nursery /Primary School and decide upon a course of action in consultation with them and in line with East Sussex County Council Child Protection procedures
20.6  A copy of all policies are available from the childcare workers.

21. Lost Property
21.1 We cannot take responsibility for the personal valuables of individual children.
We would ask parents/carers to ensure that valuables are not brought into the Club sessions.

22. Emergency Closure
22.1 In case of adverse weather conditions, please listen to local radio stations such as Southern FM.  If Uplands Community Technology College is closed, the Youth and Children’s Centre is closed.

23. Any further questions or worries?
If you have any queries about the contents of this pack or have any observations or worries or complaints please contact John McKenzie – Lead for Extended School – at the Youth and Children’s Centre (01892) 784342 or contact Ofsted on 0845 6014771

Footnote:
We sincerely hope to develop positive relationships with all parents and carers who choose to use Sticky Fingers and OASTies.  Please do not hesitate to discuss any issues concerning your child’s membership, with one of the childcare team.

Looking forward to getting to know you and your child!

John McKenzie
Lead for Extended School
Uplands Youth and Community Centre
Lower High Street
Wadhurst
East Sussex    TN5 6AX

Tel:        01892 784342
Fax:      01892 782003
e-mail:  50jmc@uplandscc.e-sussex.sch.uk

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