Nursery Admissions Policy and Procedure

Introduction

We are committed to offering a fair, transparent, and inclusive admissions process. Our nursery welcomes all families and is dedicated to supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

 Opening Hours

• The nursery is open 8:00am – 6:00pm.
• Our core hours are 9:00am – 3:00pm.
• Extended hours may be available (subject to availability and fees).

 Attendance Options

• Children aged 2 years and over may attend term‑time only or all‑year‑round.
• Babies (0–2 years) must attend on an all‑year‑round basis to support consistency and routine.
• All children must attend a minimum of two days per week.

 Admissions for Children With SEND

• Children with SEND are welcomed and supported with inclusive, individualised care.
• Children with significant SEND needs must be referred to the Under‑5s Panel by a professional (health visitor, SENCO, social worker, therapist).
• If approved, they will then be referred to us for a placement.
• A 1:3 staff‑to‑child ratio is provided for children with SEND unless otherwise advised by professionals.

 Waiting List Procedure

• Parents must complete a Nursery Application Form to join the waiting list.
• Children are placed on the list in date order (first‑come, first‑served).
• When a place becomes available, we consider:
• Age group and room availability
• Required start date
• Attendance model (TT or AYY)
• Minimum two‑day requirement
• SEND placement needs

 Registration Requirement

The following documents must be provided before a place can be confirmed:

1. Completed Nursery Application Form
2. Child’s birth certificate
3. Proof of address (utility bill, council tax, tenancy agreement)

 Government‑Funded Free Entitlement

We offer:

• 15 hours Universal Entitlement
• 30 hours Extended Entitlement for eligible working families

Funded hours are delivered according to our session times and availability.
Any hours above the entitlement will be charged at the nursery’s hourly rate.

 Fees, Deposits and Additional Charges

Deposit

• A two‑week deposit is required for children accessing any additional paid hours.
• Fully funded places with no extra hours do not require a deposit.
• Deposits are applied to the final invoice when the correct notice is given.

Lunch Fee

• A £3.00 daily lunch fee applies to all children staying for lunch, including those on funded‑only places.

Additional Hours

• Charged at the nursery’s standard rate.

 Changes to Attendance Hours

• Changes to a child’s hours are permitted, depending on availability.
• A fee will be charged for any change of hours or update of details.
• A notice period may be required, depending on the type of change requested.
• Changes must be made in writing through the nursery office

Confirmation of a Place

A nursery place is confirmed when:

• The offer is accepted in writing
• Deposit is paid (if applicable)
• All registration forms are completed
• Birth certificate and proof of address are verified
• Settling‑in sessions are arranged

Failure to return documents or deposits within the required timeframe may result in the place being offered to another family.

Settling‑In Period

We offer a gentle and supportive two‑week settling‑in period to ensure a smooth transition.

• A parent or familiar adult must stay with the child initially.
• We begin with one‑hour sessions, increasing gradually over the two weeks.
• As the child becomes more confident, parents will be encouraged to step out of the room, remaining nearby.
• The process is adapted to each child’s emotional readiness.

Notice Period

• A one‑month (four‑week) written notice is required to terminate your child’s place at the nursery.
• One‑month written notice is also required to reduce sessions or make changes to attendance patterns.
• Deposits are only returned/applied to the final invoice when the correct notice is given.

Equality and Inclusion

We value diversity and do not discriminate based on background, ability or need.
We work closely with families and professionals to ensure early identification and early intervention, supporting every child to thrive.