Admissions Policy

The numbers and ages of children admitted to the nursery comply with the legal space requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). When considering admissions we are mindful of staff: child ratios and the facilities available at the nursery.

The nursery uses the following admission criteria, which is applied in the following order of priority:
1. Looked after children
2. A child known by the local authority to have special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND) and whose needs can be best met at the preferred nursery
3. A vulnerable child with either a Child Protection or a Child in Need Plan, or in receipt of other local authority support
4. Children who have siblings who are already with us
5. Children whose parents live within the area.

Admissions will be made in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We do not discriminate against any child or family on the grounds of protected characteristics including disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientations, pregnancy or maternity.

A child requiring a full-time place may have preference over one requiring a part-time place. This is dependent upon work commitments, occupancy and room availability. We operate a waiting list, and places are offered on an availability basis.

We operate an Inclusion and Equality policy and ensure that all children have access to nursery places and services irrespective of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation of parents. Where a child has SEND, we will work in partnership with parents and external professionals to determine whether reasonable adjustments can be made to meet the child’s needs within our setting, in line with the SEND Code of Practice.

Prior to a child attending nursery, parents must complete and sign a contract and registration form (paper based and digital). These forms provide the nursery with personal details relating to the child. For example, name, date of birth, address, emergency contact details, parental responsibilities, dietary requirements, collection arrangements, fees and sessions, contact details for parents, doctor’s contact details, health visitor contact details, allergies, parental consent and vaccinations etc. Proof of the child’s date of birth will be requested at admission.

All personal data is collected, stored and processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
The nursery reserves the right to refuse or withdraw a place where:
• Providing care would compromise the safety or wellbeing of children or staff
• Parents provide false or misleading information
• Fees are not paid in accordance with the contract
• We are unable to meet the child’s needs despite reasonable adjustments

Providers eligible to provide government funded places for early education
All settings registered to accept government funding (detailed in the Nursery operational plan) must offer the funded places for 9+ months to five year olds for early learning sessions specified by the local authority. At Winston’s Place Day Nursery we currently provide government funded places for children; this is subject to availability. These places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and can be booked a term in advance. Please note for the admissions of the government funded nursery education places we have a termly intake, beginning the term following your child’s second/third birthday or the term after they have turned 9 months.

All funded sessions are now in line with the flexible arrangement as specified by the Government. When you register your child for their funded place, we will discuss your needs and, as far as possible with availability and staffing arrangements, we will accommodate your wishes. We reserve the right to limit and/or have specific funded sessions, according to our business requirements.

Government funded places are subject to eligibility confirmation by the Local Authority. Funded hours are delivered free at the point of access. Changes may apply for additional services such as consumables, which are entirely optional.