Parent Information
Select a topic below to view all the details about joining Allstars.
How to Register
Join our inclusive community in 5 simple steps
Registering your child with us is the first step in becoming part of our caring and inclusive community. We look forwards to working in partnership with you to provide a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can feel happy, confident and ready to thrive.
Contact & Visit
Simply telephone or E-mail the setting you wish your child to attend – the Setting Manager will then talk through our availability and session options with you and arrange a convenient time for you and your child to come have a look around. Or, we operate an open-door policy and you can simply visit one of our settings without prior arrangement and ask to speak to the Manager on arrival – they will be happy so show you around. Make a note of any questions or queries you have.
Famly App Link
Once you have visited the setting and you are happy to proceed with your child’s place – you will be sent a link to the Famly App – which is where you fill out all relevant information about your child.
Secure the Place
To secure your child’s place, we ask for a Non-Refundable Deposit which is:
- £25 Out of School Club
- £50 Private Nursery Place
This can be paid via BACS, Cash or via Tax-Free Childcare Payments. You will receive a receipt if paying via cash.
Settling In
Once the deposit is received – the setting manager will then arrange ‘Settling – In’ sessions for your child. Settling in sessions are free of charge. Note – Settling in sessions are only required for Nursery Settings. Please see information regarding settling in sessions in the ‘About Us’ tab.
Start Date
After the settling in sessions, your child is ready to start their Learning Journey with All Stars and an official ‘Start’ date will be set. Exciting!!
The Famly App
Staying connected with you
What is Famly?
Famly is our secure childcare app that helps us to stay closely connected with you and keep you full involved in your child’s day. Through Famly you can receive photos and updates, view observations and learning moments, message your child’s setting directly and stay informed about important events, news and reminders. Its also where you can manage practical details such as bookings, invoices, permissions and forms – all in one easy place. Famly allows us to work in genuine partnership with you, sharing your child’s experiences while keeping communication clear, consistent and convenient.
Why we chose Famly
We chose to us this platform because it is a great way to work in partnership with families and ensures communication is clear, consistent and secure. It allows us to share important information with you in real time, celebrate your child’s achievements and keeps you involved in their learning and experiences. It also helps us to manage key information safely and efficiently, reducing paperwork and giving our team more time to focus on what matters the most – caring for and supporting your child. By using Famly, we can provide a well-organised, transparent service while making it easier for parents to stay connected and informed.
All information shared on Famly is stored securely and handled in line with Data Protection requirements. Access is carefully controlled and your child’s personal information is only visibly to authorised staff and your family, giving you piece of mind that your data is protected.
It's Secure
- Parents have their own private log in, so only authorised family members can access their child’s information.
- Messages, photos and documents are shared securely within the app, not through public email or social media.
- Permissions and forms are completed digitally, reducing the risk of lost paperwork.
- Access can be updated or removed as needed to keep information protected.
It's Accessible
- Famly is available on Smart Phones, Tablets and computers, allowing parents to check updates anytime.
- Information is stored in one central place, making it easy to find when needed.
- Parents can add multiple approved carers or contacts to their account.
- Notifications help parents stay up to date without needing to chase information.
- You can change the language on famly if English is an additional language.
It’s easy to use:
- Parents can message the setting directly without phoning or waiting until pick up time.
- Absences, bookings and permissions can be managed quickly in just a few clicks.
- Invoices and payments are clearly displayed and easy to track.
- Photos, updates and moments are shared in simple, easy to read formats.
- Accident & medication forms are all filled out via Famly so parents get real time notifications.
Safeguarding is Paramount
Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means doing everything that we can to keep children safe, healthy and happy whilst they are in our care. It’s about protecting children from harm, abuse or neglect and making sure their well being always comes first. Safeguarding also includes helping children to feel secure, listened to and confident, so that they can learn, play and thrive in a safe environment.
Why is Safeguarding so important?
Young children and people, rely on adults around them to keep them safe. That’s why safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Strong safeguarding helps us to:
- Keep children safe from harm and respond quickly to any concerns
- Create a secure, nurturing environment where children feel comfortable, listened to and confident.
- Support children’s emotional well being not just their physical safety.
- Work in partnership with parents and carers, because keeping children safe is a shared responsibility.
All of our staff at All Stars are trained to recognise signs that a child may need extra support and to act appropriately, always following clear policies and procedures and working closely with each individual Local Authorities Safeguarding Children Partnership Board.
We understand how important it is for you to feel confident and reassured when leaving your child in our care. Safeguarding is taken extremely seriously and is embedded into our daily practice, not just in our policies. All staff are carefully recruited, fully trained and regularly updated in safeguarding and child protection procedures. We work closely with families and relevant professionals where needed and we always act in the best interests of the child.
If you ever have a question or concern, our team is approachable, open and happy to talk – because your trust and your child’s safety matter to us.
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)
What is a DSL?
A DSL – Designated Safeguarding Lead is a senior member of staff who has special responsibility for keeping children safe with our settings. They are trained to a higher level in Safeguarding and child protection and are the main point of contact for any safeguarding concerns.
What does a DSL do?
The DSL’s role is to make sure safeguarding is carried out properly and consistently every day. This includes:
- Listening to and responding to any concerns about a child’s safety or well being
- Making sure that all staff know how to report concerns
- Keeping clear, confidential records and taking appropriate action where needed
- Working with parents, carers and external agencies to support the outcomes for children
- Ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to and up to date
Why do we have DSL’s in each setting?
Having a DSL in each setting means there is always someone available who knows the children, families and staff well and can act quickly if a concern arises. A DSL for each setting is always available or contactable during operational hours. It ensures that safeguarding decisions are made promptly, sensitively and in the best interests of the child. It also gives parents peace of mind, knowing there are clearly identified and trained people within All Stars, responsible for overseeing children’s safety and well being at all times.
Reporting Concerns
If you have concerns about a child within an All Stars Setting, or are wanting some advice regarding someone else – please go to the settings manager in the first instance with your concerns. Each setting has numerous posters available that clearly identify who the settings DSL’s are. If after contacting the settings DSL – you are not satisfied or happy with the outcome, please contact:
Complaints Procedure
We value open and honest communication and see feedback and complaints as an opportunity to listen, learn and improve. If you ever have a concern, we encourage you to speak to us as early as possible so we can work together to resolve it quickly and fairly. All complaints are taken seriously, handled sensitively and treated with respect and confidentiality. Our aim is to always reach a positive outcome that supports your child’s well-being and maintains the trusting relationship we build with our families.
Who to go to?
In the first instance, please go to the settings manager – this can be done in person, via telephone, or in writing via E-mail.
Escalation
If, after the complaint is handled you are not satisfied, please contact:
- First: Terri Dyer (COO) - t.dyer@allstarschildcare.co.uk
- Second: Aysha McDonald (MD) - a.mcdonald@allstarschildcare.co.uk
What happens next?
Once we receive your complaint, we will acknowledge it promptly, listen carefully, look into the details fairly and thoroughly and keep you updated throughout the process. We will agree on any actions needed and share the outcome.
Still not satisfied?
If you are not satisfied with the outcomes and have already contacted Terri Dyer or Aysha McDonald – you can go directly to OFSTED.
OFSTED Information
Who are OFSTED?
OFSTED – the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills – is the independent organisation that inspects and regulates early years settings in England. Their role is to make sure that childcare providers are meeting national standards for learning, development, safety and well-being. OFSTED visit settings regularly to observe practice, review policies, talk to staff and leaders to ensure children are receiving high-quality care and education. Inspection reports are published online and can be accessed by parents through the OFSTED website by searching the settings name or URN Number, allowing families to view inspection outcomes and feel confident about the quality and safety of the care provided. A copy of any Inspection reports will be made available to parents as soon as reasonably possible after an inspection at an All Stars Child Care Services Ltd Setting.
What can trigger an OFSTED Inspection?
An inspection by OFSTED can happen for a number of reasons, not just on a routine cycle, this may include:
- A setting been newly registered
- Concerns raised about a child’s safety or well being
- Information suggesting that standards may not be meeting requirements
- A significant change within the setting, such as leadership or management
- Follow-up checks after a previous inspection to ensure improvements have been made
What happens on the day of an Inspection?
When an All Stars Child Care Services Ltd setting is inspected, parents will be notified that an Inspection is taking place. The inspector may want to speak to Parents and their families during drop off or collection – this is to gather information and take parent views into consideration. We will not be able to tell you the outcome of the Inspection until the report has been finalised.
Fees & Payments
How are fees calculated?
Fees are calculated on a monthly basis and are paid 1 month in advance. We calculate the amount payable by you each month based on the number of sessions booked in during the previous month.
When will I get an invoice?
Invoices are generated and sent via Famly on the 15th of every month – if this falls on a weekend, the invoice will be sent the Friday before.
When do I need to pay by?
Payment in full will need to be paid and cleared by the 28th of every month.
What if I need an extra session?
If you need an extra session – just check with the settings manager the session is available and your child will be added to the register. Extra sessions are to be paid in full before your child attends them, failure to pay for the additional session in full will result in the session being terminated and your child will be unable to attend.
How can I pay?
- Recurring bank payment option on Famly – only recommended if sessions are the same every month
- BACS
- Tax Free Childcare
- Child Care Grant Payments
- Universal Credit Childcare Payments
What happens if I cannot pay the full amount or on time?
We understand that families may come into difficulties regarding their financial circumstances – if this happens or you know you will not be able to pay on time or in full – please speak to the settings manager in the first instance. The resolution will be handled on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Finance Department within All Stars.
Are there any other fees or charges I may be liable for?
- Late Payment of Fee’s – Charged at £10 per day, up to the day that the balance is cleared. This is automatically charged via Famly.
- Late collection of children – Late collection of children is charged at £1 per minute.
- Failure to Notify Fee – If a child in Out of School Club does not need collecting from school where it has been prior arranged and you do not notify us before the practitioner has set off for the child – this will incur a £20 Failure to Notify Fee.
- Where you have opted – out of optional packages during your child’s funded sessions and you do not supply what has been agreed – the standard rates of the packages will automatically be applied.
What if we want to leave the setting or de-crease sessions?
1 Months’ notice needs to be given to decrease sessions or terminate your child’s place. Incorrect notice will be charged at the standard fee rate.
What if we want to go on Holiday?
If you are planning a well-deserved Holiday, notify the Settings Manager in writing a minimum of 1 month in advance. A 50% discount will be applied for the duration of the holiday dates agreed. One 2 week or 2 x 1 week slots per year are available for 50% discount.
What about Bank Holidays?
Bank Holidays are charged at the standard fee rates.
What if the setting has to close unexpectedly for a short period?
If we have to close or we make the decision to close due to events or circumstances beyond our control (e.g. adverse weather conditions or building repairs) the session(s) fee will still be payable in full and we shall be under no obligation to provide alternative childcare arrangements. If the closure exceeds 3 consecutive days in duration (excluding any days when we would otherwise have been closed) you will not incur any charges after 3 consecutive days.
What if we arrive late/early for a funded only session?
If you arrive late for a funded only session, this time will not be added onto the end of the session as this will affect ratios. If you arrive early, your child will not be able to start any earlier as this will affect ratios.
What if my child is ill or absent?
Fees will still be charged at the standard rate if children are ill or absent and another session will not be allocated or refunded in lieu of the absence or illness. This applies to both government funded and privately funded places.
Optional Packages
Optional Packages are for Government Funded Only sessions (Not inclusive of 15 Hours entitlement for disadvantaged 2 year olds). These are: Food Package, Intimate Care Package. All Terms & Conditions are outlined in the Parents Agreement Contract that is to be signed upon registration.
Help with Costs
Tax Free Childcare
Tax free childcare is a government scheme designed to help families with the cost of childcare. For every £8 you pay into your online childcare account, the government will add an extra £2 – up to £2,000 per child, per year (or £4,000 for a child with disabilities). So, the government contributes 20% towards fees and you pay 80%.
Who can use it?
- Both parents (or single parent household) are working
- Each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at minimum wage
- Neither parent earns more that £100,000 per year
- Your childcare provider is registered with HMRC
You can apply online via the gov.uk website. Note: You must re-confirm your details every 3 months. This can be used in conjunction with 30 Hours Working Parents funding also. Tax Free Childcare can be used up until your child’s 11th Birthday too. You will receive a code which you must share with us, so we can determine which child the Tax Free Payment is coming from.
Apply via GOV.UKChildcare Grant Payments
The Childcare Grant (CCG) is a UK government scheme for full-time students with children, which helps to cover up to 85% of costs (max £199.62/week/child for 2025-26) through the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS), paid directly to registered providers.
Who can use it?
- Full-time undergraduate or ITT/PGCE students.
- Have dependent children under 15 (or under 17 with special needs).
- Receive student finance based on household income.
- Not claiming Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit childcare, or NHS grants.
- Provider must be Ofsted-registered.
How it Works:
- Apply via student finance.
- Provide evidence.
- Set up CCGPS account.
- Link child/provider.
- Approve weekly invoices.
- Funds go direct to provider.
Universal Credit and Childcare
Universal Credit (UC) helps working parents by reimbursing up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, paid monthly after you have paid the provider. You report costs through your UC account.
Who can use it?
- You (and your partner, if you have one) must be in work or starting work.
- Both parents usually need to be working, unless one has a health condition or disability.
- Childcare must be with a registered provider.
Note: You must report your costs in the correct assessment period to receive payment.
More InfoGovernment Funding
In England, the government offers funded childcare hours to help families with the cost of early education. These hours are provided through your childcare setting and are funded by the Department for Education.
2-year-old funding – 15 hours
Some 2 year olds are eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week. This funding is aimed at supporting children’s early development. Eligibility is usually based on household income or benefits, or children who have additional needs. Note: We do not charge for optional packages for families in receipt of this type of funding.
3- & 4-year-old universal funding – 15 hours
All children aged 3 & 4 are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week, regardless of family income. This funding supports children’s learning and development before they start school and helps families with childcare costs.
This funding starts from the term AFTER your child turns 3:
- Birthday (Jan - Mar): Funding starts 1 April (Summer Term)
- Birthday (Apr - Aug): Funding starts 1 September (Autumn Term)
- Birthday (Sep - Dec): Funding starts 1 January (Spring Term)
You do not need to apply for this type of funding, we will sort this out for you.
30 hours working families funding
Working families may be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged between 9 months and 4 years. To be eligible, you (and your partner) will need to be in work, earn over a certain amount and have a National Insurance number. Once approved, you’ll get an 11-digit code which you must share with us along with your NI number and child's DOB. Note: You must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months.
How the funded hours can be used at All Stars
2-Year-Old 15 Hours & Universal 15 Hours Funding
15 Hours funding can be used either:
- 15 Hours for 38 weeks of the year (Term Time Only), or;
- 11 Hours for 52 weeks of the year (All Year Round)
Example Usage: 5 x 3 Hour Sessions, 3 x 5 Hour Sessions, or 1 x 10 Hour + 1 x 5 Hour.
9 Month – 4 Years 30 Hours working parents funding
30 Hours funding can be used either:
- 30 Hours for 38 weeks of the year (Term Time Only), or;
- 22 Hours for 52 weeks of the year (All Year Round)
NOTE: For children aged 9 Months – 2 Years we DO NOT offer Term Time Only Places – UNLESS a MINIMUM of 2 days per week in the Holidays is privately paid for.
Example Usage: 3 x 10 Hour Sessions, 2 x 10 Hour + 2 x 5 Hour Sessions, or 1 x 10 Hour + 4 x 5 Hour Sessions.
For 22 Hours All Year Round: 2 x 10 Hour + 1 x 2 Hour (topped up to 3hrs), etc.
Optional Packages for Funded Only Places
For places that are fully funded only (except 2 year old 15 Hours) we offer optional packages: Food Package and Intimate Care Package.
If you opt-out of the packages – you will need to provide what would otherwise be included. If you don’t provide the items, they will be charged automatically. Breakfast, AM Snack & PM Snack are inclusive of funded hours.