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INFORMATION

Registered Charity Number: 1064759

Registration Ofsted Number: EY337731

SURESTART ‘Where Kids Come First’, Ockendon Children’s Centre, 2a Afton Drive, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 5PA

Tel: 01708 670011 Mobile: 07587 005472 E-mail: surestart1@aol.com

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Our History Our journey began way back before March 1993 at Shaw Primary School when we

opened the door for our pre-school in response to the need expressed by parents and

professionals. We set up a Committee of Parents and Carers in 1992 who were

interested in the welfare and education of children from 3-5 years of age. With an

initial donation of £10 to open a bank account it took 12 months to prepare the

playroom and raise funds. In June 1993 we added a Parent and Toddler Group session

for those on the pre-school waiting list.

SURESTART registered as a charity in 1997, a year after moving to Culver Centre,

and in November of that year established an After-School Kid’s Club, again responding

to family needs. Meanwhile, a Government funding initiative was launched with the

same name written as SureStart. This has led to confusion over the years but we felt

our name embodied our ethos and have been reluctant to change it and were unable to

get the Government to compensate.

A further move to larger premises within Culver Centre in 1998 allowed us to access a

Community Fund Grant to build a secure outside play space and garden.

We continued to operate to extremely high standards and welcomed Ofsted taking

over the regulatory role for childcare providers from Social Services in 2001. Our

inspection reports reflect the hard work we commit to all our sessions and our slogan

‘Where Kids Come First’ epitomizes this belief.

With a change of leadership at Shaw Primary School, we returned to open a Breakfast

Club in 2002 with the support of the Head and Governing Board.

In 2004 we were approached by Thurrock Council to become the childcare providers

for a new purpose built Children’s Centre in South Ockendon. It would mean expanding

in to full daycare for 0-5 year olds but we felt we could meet the challenge.

The new build Children’s Centre, in the grounds of Shaw Primary school, was completed

in June 2006. Its name – Compass - was chosen by a community panel and its logo was

designed by a local school pupil. In 2009 Thurrock Council changed the name to

Ockendon Children’s Centre.

In August 2006 SURESTART ‘Where Kids Come First’ moved in, not only to continue

providing a morning Pre-School but to open an afternoon session AND extend our

services to Full Day Care for children from 2 to 5 years of age. The new home for our

After School Kids Club became the demountable, in the grounds of Somers Heath

Primary School in September 2006. We went on to launch our Full Day Care for 0-2

years in January 2007 and re-launched our Holiday Club at Shaw school in October 07.

During 2009/10 the national ‘credit crunch’ began to affect us and changes once again

had to be made for our survival. The Committee worked extremely hard and with

advice from Thurrock Council’s ‘Early Years Team’ increased the fees significantly and

agreed to amalgamate all our clubs to run from the Children’s Centre premises from

June 2010. This initiative has proved to be a great success, with older children

nurturing the younger ones, and the younger ones having positive role models.

SURESTART will maintain the ‘family-feel’ childcare we have always provided with a

range of ages playing, growing and learning together ……the journey continues!

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Our Charitable Aim

Our aim is ‘to provide the children with opportunities to LEARN THROUGH PLAY in a

stimulating and exciting setting. We also wish to support families and encourage their

involvement in their children’s education outside of the home. In providing quality care we

are committed to developing the full potential of the children and staff’.

We are very proud to be an integral part of our community and try to source services

and provisions locally. We also plan outings for our children, covering road safety as

well as all areas of the curriculum.

This information booklet relates to our

MORNING & AFTERNOON PRE-SCHOOL SESSIONS for 2 to 5 year olds (38 weeks)

FULL DAY CARE for 0 to 5 year olds

WRAP AROUND CARE for the 4-12 year olds

This is how the sessions operate over a usual day.

Times 7.30-8.30 8.30-11.30 11.30–2.30 15.00-18.00

Blustery Bay =

(large end)

Breakfast

Club

4-12yrs

Morning Pre-school

2-5yrs

Afternoon Pre-school

2-5yrs

After-school

Club

4-12yrs

8.00-1.00 1.00-6.00

Full-day care

2-5yrs

Full-day care

2-5yrs

Calm Cove =

(small end)

Full-day care

3 months to 2 years

Full-day care

3 months to 2 years

Wherever the term ‘parent’ is used throughout this booklet it refers to anyone with

parental responsibilities for the child.

THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Our Management Committee consists of no less than 5 and up to 12 elected parent

representatives. We also co-opt specialist advisors as and when needed. Trustees on our

Committee have a legal responsibility to ensure we follow Ofsted regulations and our

Charitable Constitution as laid down by the Pre-School Learning Alliance. Committee meetings

are held at least once a term (usually once a month) and new members are elected at our

Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, usually in November. Each family is expected to

send a representative to the AGM. The Committee employs staff, helps raise funds to

continue our work and ratifies decisions on the running of our childcare facility, at all times

ensuring that parent’s views are paramount in the education and welfare of their children.

The Committee would welcome ANY comments at any time in writing, just hand them

(enveloped) to a staff member who will pass them on.

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PHOTOGRAPHS

We will take many photographs of your child during our play sessions and clubs. These photos

are used to demonstrate their activities and you will receive them in their leaver’s folder

when they leave, or be able to see them on our secure Babysdays site. Sometimes we require

photographs for training purposes, or for advertising our facilities (Thurrock Gazette/The

Community Forum/Library/Children’s Centre etc.). We implement our polices on child

protection by ensuring photos are only used for the stated purposes and that individual

children are not identified to the general public without the permission of parents.

If you DO NOT wish your child’s photographs to be used other than within their folders

please state your wishes on the Parental Agreements given as part of your New Starter

paperwork.

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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Our setting believes that children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt,

careful attention to their needs and wishes. We welcome suggestions on how to improve our

setting and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns about the running of the

setting. We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our setting to a satisfactory

conclusion for all of the parties involved. There are 5 clear stages to our Complaints

Procedure.

Stage 1.

We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to Tanya

Gould (Room Leader) verbally, where it may be recorded in the Daily Diary. If this does not

achieve the desired result, Stage 2 is the next best step. Stage 2.

Ask Lucy Pollock (Manager) for a meeting to record your complaint in the Daily Diary, with a

note of any action taken and the signatures of both parties. Please move on to Stage 3 if

this does not achieve desired result for either party.

Stage 3.

You should write a letter to be sent to the Chairperson of the Management Committee,

outlining the complaint, seal it and hand into Kirsten (Admin). Keep a copy of this

correspondence. SURESTART Management Committee must respond to you within 28 days,

outlining their investigation and any action they have taken or intend to take.

Stage 4.

If you are not satisfied with any action arising from the above, a Special Meeting of

members of SURESTART can be called by the complainant, informing parents and giving 14

days’ notice. A poster should be displayed on the Parents Notice Board to this effect.

Stage 5.

If this does not result in a satisfactory conclusion then contact Ofsted by telephone on

0845 640 40 40 or write to them at Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1

2WD. You will need to quote our Registration Number EY337731.

Parents can be assured that we have a range of policies documenting our group’s practices,

which are reviewed regularly and readopted each year at our Annual General Meeting.

IMPORTANT

Parents should be aware that the Manager has a responsibility to inform Thurrock

Council’s Social Care Department IMMEDIATELY if there are any concerns regarding a

child’s physical or emotional wellbeing (see our Safeguarding policy)

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CURRICULUM DETAILS

Within SURESTART all children are supported in developing their potential at their own

pace. Our keyworker system enables us to ensure a planned curriculum to meet the needs of

each individual child. By means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level

of individual adult input, we offer curriculums that lead to nationally approved learning

outcomes. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, which can be adapted for our older

children up to 12 years of age.

Early Years Foundation Stage (0 – 5 years)

There are four Early Years Foundation Stage Principles:

1. A Unique Child

Every Child is a competent learner from birth, who can be resilient, capable, confident and

self-assured. This principle covers four themes: Child Development, Inclusive Practice,

Keeping Safe, and Health and Wellbeing.

2. Positive Relationships

Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships

with parents and a key person. The four themes which are covered are: Respecting Each

Other, Parents as Partners, Supporting Learning, and Keyperson.

3. Enabling Environments

The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and

learning. The four themes which are covered are: Observation, Assessment and Planning,

Supporting Every Child, The Learning Environment, and The Wider Context.

4. Learning and Development

Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of learning

and development are equally important and interconnected. We call these ‘Characteristics’

of Effective Learning: Play&Exploration - Active Learning - Creativity&Critical Thinking.

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There are seven areas of the Curriculum (The first 3 prime areas are used for our under

two’s before introducing the 4 specific areas once the children turn two):

1.Personal, social and emotional development

Self-confidence and self-awareness: children are confident to try new activities, and say

why they like some activities more than others. They are confident to speak in a familiar

group, will talk about their ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen

activities. They say when they do or don’t need help.

Managing feelings and behaviour: children talk about how they and others show feelings,

talk about their own and others’ behaviour, and its consequences, and know that some

behaviour is unacceptable. They work as part of a group or class, and understand and follow

the rules. They adjust their behaviour to different situations, and take changes of routine in

their stride.

Making relationships: children play co-operatively, taking turns with others. They take

account of one another’s ideas about how to organise their activity. They show sensitivity to

others’ needs and feelings, and form positive relationships with adults and other children.

2.Communication and language

Listening and attention: children listen attentively in a range of situations. They listen to

stories, accurately anticipating key events and respond to what they hear with relevant

comments, questions or actions. They give their attention to what others say and respond

appropriately, while engaged in another activity.

Understanding: children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer

‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.

Speaking: children express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs.

They use past, present and future forms accurately when talking about events that have

happened or are to happen in the future. They develop their own narratives and explanations

by connecting ideas or events.

3.Physical development

Moving and handling: children show good control and co-ordination in large and small

movements. They move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space. They handle

equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.

Health and self-care: children know the importance for good health of physical exercise,

and a healthy diet, and talk about ways to keep healthy and safe. They manage their own

basic hygiene and personal needs successfully, including dressing and going to the toilet

independently.

4.Mathematics

Numbers: children count reliably with numbers from 1 to 20, place them in order and say

which number is one more or one less than a given number. Using quantities and objects, they

add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or back to find the answer. They

solve problems, including doubling, halving and sharing.

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Shape, space and measures: children use everyday language to talk about size, weight,

capacity, position, distance, time and money to compare quantities and objects and to solve

problems. They recognise, create and describe patterns. They explore characteristics of

everyday objects and shapes and use mathematical language to describe them.

5.Literacy

Reading: children read and understand simple sentences. They use phonic knowledge to

decode regular words and read them aloud accurately. They also read some common irregular

words. They demonstrate understanding when talking with others about what they have read.

Writing: children use their phonic knowledge to write words in ways which match their

spoken sounds. They also write some irregular common words. They write simple sentences

which can be read by themselves and others. Some words are spelt correctly and others are

phonetically plausible.

6.Understanding the world

People and communities: children talk about past and present events in their own lives and in

the lives of family members. They know that other children don’t always enjoy the same

things, and are sensitive to this. They know about similarities and differences between

themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions.

The world: children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects,

materials and living things. They talk about the features of their own immediate environment

and how environments might vary from one another. They make observations of animals and

plants and explain why some things occur, and talk about changes.

Technology: children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes

and schools. They select and use technology for particular purposes.

7.Expressive arts and design

Exploring and using media and materials: children sing songs, make music and dance, and

experiment with ways of changing them. They safely use and explore a variety of materials,

tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.

Being imaginative: children use what they have learnt about media and materials in original

ways, thinking about uses and purposes. They represent their own ideas, thoughts and

feelings through design and technology, art, music, dance, role-play and stories.

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MORNING AND AFTERNOON PRE-SCHOOL SESSIONS for 2 to 5 year olds –

We hold our waiting list in first come, first served order, priority being given to social needs

(referrals from other agencies, children with disability, and siblings). Due to staff ratios, we

will endeavour to plan for a maximum of 8 x 2 year old spaces per session. Parents will be

informed as a vacancy arises. All children and parents are invited to attend a session so that

they will be confident and familiar with the provision, and a programme of sessions will be

arranged, to mutual benefit. The quality of our childcare provision shows in our name. We

are deeply committed to giving young children a ‘SURESTART’ to life, building on the work

done at home by their parents and encouraging social interaction with their peers and other

adults. SURESTART follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum for all the

children. This caters for children from birth to the end of the Reception year in Primary

School. All activities in our well–resourced playroom and outdoor play area are designed to be

educational and FUN. We aim to be outdoors for a good part of each session so please dress

children in comfortable clothes. These need to be suitable not only for the weather at the

time, but also easy for them to remove and put on for toileting or P.E. activities. We

encourage independence i.e. hanging up their own coat each session, doing jobs such as

pouring everyone’s drinks and managing the toilet unaided. SURESTART encourages messy

play – we believe children’s ‘play’ is the route to their learning and is a vital part of their

development. Our weekly activities include cookery and also structured P.E sessions following

a Fun Fit programme for 2-5 year olds. We regularly visit the library, welcome visitors to

our playroom and encourage children to bring in interesting items for us to look at and

discuss. We have access to Shaw’s reading bus and pond, and visit Leatherland Lodge Senior

Living home each Tuesday. Children’s progress is recorded termly, using a mixture of written

and computer based assessments. This is done in a simple but structured way, step by step,

involving children in the planning and decision making, reinforcing and reaffirming their

progress day by day. Parents are invited to attend our termly open evenings to share their

child’s achievements. When a child leaves pre-school to attend full-time school, they are

presented with their LEARNING JOURNAL, which includes photographs, anecdotes,

recorded assessments of their skills and examples of some of their creative work. (Please

refer to photograph use on page 3.)

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FULL DAY CARE for 0 to 5 year olds - As a long established childcare facility we like to

think we have a ‘family’ atmosphere to our playrooms. We know that socialising within a range

of ages and abilities, plus consistency with adult carers, will help make for a happy and

contented child. Our bright attractive ‘Calm Cove’ (small end of the room) and ‘Blustery Bay’

(large end) will allow all children to rest, play and socialise at will in secure surroundings. We

shall form close partnerships with parents to ensure routines are maintained that closely

mirror family schedules, to ease the transition from home to nursery.

At all times the staff ratio to children will be maintained as follows: 1 x member of staff to

3 x 0- 2 year olds, 1 x member of staff to 4 x 2-3 year olds and 1 x member of staff to 8 x

3-5 year olds.

We have a strong ethos in regard to providing healthy and nutritious food and drink, as well

as being environmentally sound when recycling and disposing of waste products.

Parents will be asked to provide baby milk and labelled feeding equipment, plus comforter for

their child’s sole use until they are at least 6 months of age. Appropriate sized nappies,

baby wipes and creams will also need to be supplied by parents for as long as

necessary.

Please note we support the ‘Real Nappy Campaign’ speak to Lucy for more information.

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WRAP AROUND CARE – for 4-12 year olds. This comprises of 3 parts and as its name

suggests covers care for your child outside of Primary School times:

1. Breakfast Club – This runs before school.

2. Kidsclub which runs after the school day

3. Holiday club which operates through-out the Thurrock Council school holidays.

Children attending must be in full time education, up to and including 12 years of age. In

order to support working parents we can arrange delivery/ collection of your child to/from

local schools on our estate and escort them in a walking bus wearing their yellow high-

visibility jackets to/from our premises. We deliver to the following schools (at present):

Somers Heath and Dilkes and collect from: Shaw, Holy Cross, Somers Heath, Dilkes and

Bonnygate. We file applications for Wrap Around Care in first come - first served order,

under each school, with priority given to special needs/siblings. When attending our club

your child could bring in old trainers and jogging bottoms for games such as football, which

are clearly labelled so that property can be returned. All children will be offered a breakfast

of cereal, toast, fruit and a drink in the morning, fruit and a drink when returning from

school and either a dinner or tea meal in the evening. We will supply plain, nutritious food, in

consultation with children and parents - this will be included in the session fee, as from

September 2017 we have been using The Professional Nursery Kitchen to supply most of our

meals.

Our policy is to AVOID sweets being eaten indiscriminately on site and ask for parental

support of this small rule to help maintain our high standards of cleanliness and nutrition. We

provide Art and Craft as well as Books, Visits out, Board Games, Construction, Puppets,

Dressing up, Football and other Ball games, Parachute, Puzzles, Cooking, Exploring Nature and

Tablets especially for homework activities. We encourage our children to do their own plans

for the session, incorporating their chosen tasks and fun activities. We also take into

account those children who prefer a quiet area to unwind in at the end of the day, or who

need space and support to complete their homework. For our Holiday Club we accept children

from all schools, but please be aware our holidays are in line with basic Thurrock Council

school holiday calendar, and these may not coincide with your school or other boroughs.

Please make sure you have completed a homework agreement form, available on request.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

We ask that Parent/Carers observe the following:

Please maintain safe control over your child when delivering/collecting from

SURESTART. Many other people will be accessing the building for work, advice,

training or recreation and need to be shown consideration.

When you approach the zebra crossing at Afton Drive there are no parking

restrictions. When you get out of the car there is a grass verge but the pavement

is flat levelled all the way to the nursery entrance. When you get to the nursery

there is a push button to the left side on the wall to access the Centre. Outside

the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm you have to push the security buzzer to access

the Centre on the right hand side of the wall.

Please note our Sickness Policy is that children are kept at home for 48 hours

after suffering from sickness and diarrhoea. Also, infectious diseases need

clearance from a doctor before your child returns to SURESTART. Please make sure you have signed all relevant forms and given the correct details

on your child. Also, update the office regularly with any changes.

Please be aware that we occasionally take the children out on local organised

visits… i.e. to schools/parks/garden centre etc. By signing the Consent Form for

Supervised Outings you are agreeing to this. Please discuss with staff any

reservations you may have. We have insurance cover (displayed in the foyer) and

maintain a higher staff ratio when taking the children off the premises. Consent

for visits that require vehicle travel will be sought as required in line with our

policies to ensure safe transportation of children.

Visitors are welcome but at busy times maybe need to book.

Please help us to give the very best service to you and your child by taking time to

share any news or events with staff… Give time to your child to talk over the

activities they have taken part in whilst at SURESTART ‘Where Kids Come First’.

We remind you that each family on our register is a member of our charity

and is expected to send an adult representative to any General Meetings

advertised and especially the Annual General Meeting held each Autumn Term.

This is a requirement of our Constitution and we cannot function unless families

support this request.

Please make use of the information provided, via leaflets & posters in the foyer

area and our Babysdays online system.

Copies of our Constitution, Policies and Inspection Reports are available for you to

read on Babysdays. Individual copies can be printed if need be.

Please use the Comments Book/Babysdays system to record any feelings you

may want to share with us. Staff are available too, for personal chats.

Please support any of our fundraising activities – these are held to help

maintain low fees.

We know that being a PARENT is the

HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD!

Let’s work together to make it easier!

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DETAILS OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

STAFF MEMBERS JOB ROLE START

DATE

EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/

QUALIFICATIONS

Lucy Pollock Manager/ Safeguarding

officer/ Keyworker

March 1993 NNEB III /First Aid /Child

Protection

Tanya Gould Deputy Manager/Room

Leader/Keyworker/Behaviour

Officer

Jan 2000 Cache III /First Aid /Child

Protection

Denyse Gold Playworker/Student

Coordinator/Keyworker

Sept 1993 Cache II Preschool Practice/

First Aid/Food Hygiene

Sharon McClean Playworker/

Keyworker/Health & Hygiene

Officer

Feb 1994 First Aid/Food Hygiene/Fire

Warden/a number of day

courses attended

Tammy Marsh Playworker/

Keyworker/Speech &

Language Officer

June 2002 NOCN in Childcare II/ First Aid

Jackie Goulden SENCO/

Playworker/Keyworker

June 2007 NVQ III in Childcare and

Education /First Aid

Rita Town Playworker/Cook April 2002 First Aid/Food Hygiene

Kirsten Regan Administrator July 2003 First Aid/A number of day

courses

Maggie Pollock Deputy Cover (on standby) March 1993 Cache III Childcare and

Education / First Aid

Rachel Wood Playworker/Keyworker Sept 2012 Cache III Childcare and

Education

Clare Woodward Playworker/

Keyworker/Safety Officer

Feb 2015 Food Hygiene/First Aid/ Fire

Warden/Prevent Duty

Joanne Spillett Playworker/ Keyworker Feb 2015 Food Hygiene/First Aid/

Prevent Duty

Rebecca Yeboah Playworker April 2017 Diploma Level 4 in Social Care

(Italy)

Lorraine Latham Playworker June 2017 A number of online courses

Laura Dove Cleaner July 2017

Angel Jolly Apprentice Playworker Sept 2018

Nicola Fry Playworker Sept 2018 Cache II Introduction to Early

Years Education

Courtney Meldrum Playworker April 2019 Level III Childcare & Education

Diploma

Samuel Turner Regular Volunteer

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SURESTART ‘Where Kids Come First’ Please be aware that fee increases are set annually by the Management Committee and

take effect from the beginning of the financial year in April.

Children between the ages of 3-5 years can access Nursery Funding from the start of

the next school term after their third birthday. This process is administered by

SURESTART and monitored by Thurrock Council. It is essential that correct

information is given on the funding application form issued to parents.

Entitlement is up to 15/30 hours per week for 38 weeks, or 10/20 hours per week for

50 weeks. The food costs below are applicable if you do not provide your own meals.

Dates of birth for each terms funding allocation will be displayed in the foyer.

Please note that children attending more than one nursery will still only have the same

entitlement.

FEES April 2019 until March 2020 BREAKFAST CLUB 4-12 years £6.20

AFTER-SCHOOL KIDS CLUB 4-12 years £15.10

HOLIDAY CLUB 4-12 years

Morning/Afternoon Session £14.30

Full Day Session 8.00 am-6.00 pm £28.60

PRE-SCHOOL SESSIONS

38 weeks

2-5 years 8.30am-11.30am OR

11.30am – 2.30pm

£17.16 or free entitlement

(Children can access 15/30 hours of free sessions from the term after their 3rd birthday

if they are eligible. Some 2 year old children may be entitled to 15 hours funding.

Please contact Thurrock Borough Council.)

FULL DAY CARE

50 weeks

0-2 years

Morning/Afternoon Session £28.60

Full Day Session 8.00 am-6.00 pm £54.35

FULL DAY CARE

50 weeks

2-5 years* Food Costs**

Morning/Afternoon Session £28.60 £3.55

Full Day Session 8.00 am-6.00 pm £54.35 £7.10

*(Full day care fees for 2-5yr olds could be less if child is in receipt of free entitlement)

**(Separate food costs are only for funded children attending 5/10 hour sessions if own food not

provided)

Please be aware that once we are in possession of your signed Booking and Fee Agreement

Form you are liable for all fees, whether or not your child is in attendance. We rely on

fees paid monthly in advance and by standing order. These are our only source of income to

pay our wages, insurance, rent and all other bills. Any parent experiencing financial

difficulties, please contact Lucy or Kirsten, who will do their best to help. Any information

given to staff will be held with the utmost confidence.

Updated 20/5/19