WAKOOS was founded by 2 members of staff from the Weald School in 1988, wanting to  ensure their children had care during work hours. WAKOOS stands for the Weald  Activities for Kids Out of School.

In 2008, WAKOOS re-located to a new purpose built environment which is shared with the Billingshurst Family and Children Centre. WAKOOS are now able to offer childcare up to 80 children at any one time within the secure indoor and outdoor areas.  With an additional 20 child capacity for the After School Club.

In 2016 Wakoos opened up its 2nd site in Petworth, sharing a site with Petworth Primary School. Wakoos now provides childcare to almost 300 families in Billingshurst, Petworth and the surrounding areas.

Both settings are equipped to take children from 3 months - 11 years old, offering 15 and 30 hour funded places.

The nurseries are divided into two rooms enabling staff and children to work and play safely. Each of these rooms have been given names - Wallabies for the 3 months - 2 years, and Kangaroos for 2 years - 5 year olds.

We run a Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club covering all the summer holidays and INSET days.

Management

WAKOOS is managed by the Nursery Managers at each site, the managers are supported by a detupy and thrid in charge. They are all directed by a group of volunteer Trustees.

Charitable  Status

WAKOOS is a  registered charity. As a not-for-profit organisation any revenue generated is put  back directly into the business. For further information, please visit the  Charity Commission's website www.charity-commission.gov.uk

• Encourage the emotional, social, physical, creative and intellectual development of children.
• Encourage positive attitudes, and develop confidence and self - esteem.
• Provide an atmosphere that stimulates interests and each child's imagination.
• Help parents achieve a work-life balance, by offering flexible hours and by accepting Nursery Vouchers and assisting with providing information for Working Family Tax Credits. 
• Are either fully qualified nursery practitioners or are working towards childcare qualifications.





As  all childcare environments, WAKOOS is registered with OFSTED (EY420054 / Womens Hall EY446385) and is subject to  unannounced inspections. Petworth branch EY501815 still awaiting inspection.

The full report for EY420054 (July 2017 and March 2018) is below: