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). We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child and family feels valued, respected and supported. When considering admissions we are mindful of staff:child ratios, children’s individual needs, 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 and previously 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, Early Help involvement, 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.
6. Other applicants in order of application date

The nursery reserves the right to consider exceptional circumstances where this is in the best interests of the child.

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 orientation, pregnancy or maternity.

Places are all allocated fairly and transparently, taking account of children’s needs, occupancy levels and operational requirements.

We operate a waiting list, and places are offered on an availability basis. Families will be kept informed of their child’s status on the waiting list and contacted promptly when a suitable place becomes available.

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.

We recognise that every child is unique and will work proactively with families and relevant professionals to remove barriers to participation, learning and development wherever possible.

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.

Where appropriate, transition meetings, additional ling visits and personalised support plans will be implemented to ensure children experience a successful start at nursery.

We are committed to ensuring every child experiences a smooth and positive transition into nursery. Settling-in arrangements are tailored to individual children and families, taking account of their emotional wellbeing, developmental needs, cultural background, home language and previous experiences. We work closely with parents, carers and other settings to support continuity of care and learning.

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.

We value parents and carers as children’s first and most enduring educators and encourage the sharing of information that supports children’s wellbeing, learning and development from the outset.

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

Any decision to refuse or withdraw a place will be made fairly, documented appropriately and communicated sensitively to the family.

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.

Government funded places are subject to eligibility confirmation by the Local Authority and will be allocated fairly and transparently.

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.

Whilst we aim to offer flexibility wherever possible, funded sessions are subject to availability, staffing ratios and the effective operation of the nursery.

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.

Any chargers for additional services, meals, consumables or optional extras will be communicated to families in advance and will remain entirely voluntary.

The EYFS Statutory Framework 2025, requires Winston’s Place to “record the following information for each child in their care: Full Name; Date of Birth; name and address of every parent and/or carer who is known to the provider; Information about any other person who has parental responsibility for the children; which parent(s) and/or carer(s) the child normally lives with; Emergency contact details for parents and/or carers. Where possible, settings should hold more than two emergency contact numbers for each child”.

The nursery will maintain accurate, up-to-date records and review information regularly to support children’s safety, welfare and effective partnership working with families.