Introduction and Offer
At Totley Primary School we recognise there is a need in the area to provide more wraparound care to our pupils and their parents. We are proud to be able to offer a breakfast club (7.15 – 8.50am) and an after school club (3.10 – 6.00pm), in purposely designed premises called The Nook, in addition to the after school activities that the school already provides. The Nook is available to pupils attending Totley Primary School and children of Mercia Learning Trust employees. These wraparound services are available for children aged 4-11.
Aim
To provide a welcoming, safe, secure and homely environment for pupils before the beginning of the school day and after the school day ends until 6pm.
To provide outstanding wraparound care at an affordable price for parents.
To further children’s learning in a stimulating and homely environment.
To provide a stimulating play environment for pupils to explore and extend their understanding of the world.
To encourage healthy thinking, healthy eating, outdoor learning and physical activities to promote healthy living.
Staffing
The Nook is run by experienced leaders and overseen by the Headteacher at Totley Primary School. The Manager is highly experienced in managing childcare provision. All staff have first aid and safeguarding training.
The ratio of children to staff is 1:10.
All staff hold a current Barring Disclosure Check and are registered on Totley Primary School’s single central record.
Collection
Parents should drop off and collect their children from The Nook. Parents will not be allowed into the premises and will need to wait in the entrance lobby for their child to come out. Only named people on the registration form will be allowed to collect the children from The Nook and this person must be over 16 years old. If there is any change to this arrangement, The Nook staff must be notified beforehand and a password used to verify they are responsible for picking up that child.
In the event that a child is not collected before 6pm a fee will be charged of £10. If no call has been made by the parents to inform staff that they are going to be late, then the following procedure will be put into place after 30 mins of waiting time (charged at £10 per 15mins):
All nominated persons listed on the registration form as collectors/emergency contacts will be contacted in order to try and find someone to collect the child.
If after 30 minutes there is no contact from parents or emergency contacts, we will contact the local social care team for advice. There will always be two members of staff with the child. The Headteacher will also be informed.
The child will remain in The Nook with staff until either a parent arrives or the social care team become involved.
A message will be left on the parents contact number to ensure they are aware of the outcomes and a note will be left on the door with a contact number for The Manager or The Headteacher.
Fire procedures
Fire drills will be carried out at least once per term and clear fire procedures will be on display in The Nook.
First Aid
There will always be a qualified First Aider on site whilst children are present. Any incident will be recorded and reported in The Nook’s accident book, located at the front desk, and parents will be informed of minor injuries on collection. Any injuries where further medical assistance is needed will be dealt with promptly and parents informed as soon as possible.
Insurance
Insurance cover is provided by Mercia Learning Trust through the company RPA.
Policies
The Nooks policies can be found in the main entrance and available on request.
Health and Safety
It is the responsibility of The Nook staff to clean work surfaces and toilets at the end of each session. They will also sweep any obvious debris from the floor and mop any spillages up as they occur. The school’s cleaner will mop and vacuum thoroughly each day and clean the toilet facilities.
Where children can safely tidy up they are encouraged to do so. All toys and equipment are continuously checked for wear and tear and any equipment damaged during play is removed immediately. Children are taught to care and respect the equipment and their surroundings and encouraged to play constructively.
Risk assessments are completed for all areas within the provision, including outdoor play, and are updated regularly by The Nook Manager. All food preparation follows basic food safety requirements and all staff will be trained to meet these standards. We support a wide range of dietary requirements. Please speak to the manager if you have any special requests or if dietary needs change.
In wintery conditions, The Nook will be cleared of snow and paths gritted to ensure the safety of staff, parents and children.
FS2 Children
At The Nook we support our children’s development towards the EYFS early learning goals in the 7 areas of learning through our ethos of providing a stimulating homely and friendly environment. We offer a range of activities e.g. getting to know you games, physical games, reading/writing opportunities, creative crafts, science activities etc. Children are allocated a key worker, who will support their settling in. Staff at The Nook have experience of successfully supporting a range of special needs and are happy to discuss any adjustments that may be needed to help your child participate fully.
Outdoor Area
The Nook has its own safe and secure outdoor area which the children can access on a continual basis. There are different learning zones in the landscaped area and children will be able to direct their own learning outside through various stimulating resources. All children will be in sight of an adult at all times and the staff will ensure they are positioned in appropriate places to monitor the children. Children may use the school field accompanied by The Nook staff.
Behaviour
The Nook follows the same behaviour policy as the school and children are expected to behave as they would in school. (See Behaviour policy). Children and parents will be made aware of the golden rules and these will be reinforced by all adults in the setting. In circumstances where a child’s behaviour is a continuous problem, the parents will be spoken to by The Nook Manager or Headteacher and access to the provision may be banned temporarily or permanently depending on the circumstances.
Complaints
We aim to address all concerns parents or children have quickly and with utmost professionalism. In the event of a parent wishing to make a complaint about provision or staffing in The Nook, this should be first be brought to the attention of The Nook manager to be resolved. If the parent is still concerned, the complaint should be put in writing to The Headteacher of Totley Primary School. If the problem is still not resolved, all complaints should be addressed to the CEO of the Mercia Learning Trust.
