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.
At Petworth we have two rooms, one for the under 2s and one for 2-5 year olds.
At both sites we run a Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club covering all the summer holidays and INSET days.
WAKOOS is managed by the Nursery Manager with support from the Business Manager. They are directed by a group of volunteer Trustees.