22.10.20

Cool Cats Before and After School Club - Changes after half term

I am writing to inform you that the senior leaders, governors and I have reviewed the Cool Cats provision and after half term we will be making some changes.

Cool Cats has been open from 7.30 every morning until school starts and then from the end of the school day until 4.30pm. We have now reviewed this situation and have worked out a solution where we can maintain class sets, but reduce staffing numbers and therefore reduce our staffing costs, which have been substantial but have not been passed on to parents. Therefore after half term we will return to a 5.30pm finish for Cool Cats. However, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm there will be a much reduced staffing (just two staff members) and so numbers are limited and I would ask that parents support us with this by only booking you child in for the full session up to 5.30pm if you absolutely have to. If you can find alternative care, as you have done so up until now, then this would be much appreciated. These are still difficult times and so we do need your support with this.

A new electronic form will be sent out to those parents who have fixed days for their children so that you can indicate if you require the service up to 4.30pm or up to 5.30pm. For those who need more flexibility and currently complete a booking form weekly in line with their requirements, I will alter the form to reflect the new time.

Costs will remain the same as state in the policy which can be found on our website.

Booking is essential!

We will keep the booking in system because it is essential that we have numbers in advance. With the reduced staffing, we will need to monitor the situation closely and we may have to organise additional staff on days where numbers are higher. Parents must book at least 24 hours in advance for use of Cool Cats, please do not ring on the day.

Policy change - new charges for non attendance.

Governors have also agreed to a slight policy change around payment, following high numbers of parents who have been booking a place for their child in Cool Cats and then not using this place. From after half term we will require 24 hours cancellation notice if you have booked a place and no longer require it. If you do not cancel your child’s place within this time then you will be charged for the session. Governors felt that this was only fair and reasonable given the already high costings that school have faced during the pandemic to continue to provide this service.

If you have any questions about Cool Cats, please contact the school office on 01706 369340.

Kind regards,

Mrs C Dunne

Head teacher