Admissions and Waiting List Terms and Conditions

Review September 2026

Introduction

Admissions Policy

Our admissions policy ensures that each setting operates as close to full capacity as possible, in line with Ofsted registrations. We are committed to providing childcare services to families in our community, including day care, before and after school care, and holiday club.

Admissions are open throughout the year, without reference to ability or aptitude, and are subject to availability.

Application Process

• Firstly, confirm there is an available place for the attendance pattern you require or be placed on the waiting list.

• Parents/guardians must complete an online Registration Form and Parental Agreement to apply for a place. A registration link will be provided upon request.

• A Registration Fee of £40 is required at the time of application. This entitles your child to our series of settling visits. This fee is non-refundable.

• For children taking up government-funded only places without any additional services, the Registration Fee is waived. However, a refundable deposit may be required. This deposit will be refunded in line with Local Authority guidelines or within two weeks of leaving the setting, provided there are no outstanding fees.

• For Working Families Funded Places, you will need to provide written consent for us to use your child’s details and your address to check eligibility for funding and EYPP. You must also provide the National Insurance number and dates of birth of all applying parents.

• Submitting a Registration Form does not guarantee a place, as availability varies depending on session capacity.

Place Allocation

All children will enter a waiting list system until we have matched their request to our availability.

Places are allocated based on the following priorities:

1. Full-time and more full-day places take precedence over part-time or fewer-day places.

2. Siblings of current children have priority over new applicants.

3. Children of staff members are considered on the same basis as other applicants, with a cap on the number of employee-discounted spaces per setting.

4. Fully funded places are available and allocated fairly following our place allocation and waiting list procedures.

5. If more applications are received than available places, allocation is based on the date of completed application and relevant fee payment.

Waiting List Criteria

All children remain on the waiting list until a place becomes available.

When space is limited, fully funded places are allocated in the following priority order:

1. Looked After Children (LAC)

2. Vulnerable children

3. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

4. Children of staff members

5. Siblings of children in the above categories

6. All other children

Funded Childcare & Education Offer

Government funding is intended to provide 15 or 30 hours of free, high-quality childcare per week. However, it does not cover the costs of meals, consumables, additional hours, or extra services.

• We primarily offer funding as an enhanced stretched model over 51 weeks.

• Limited places are available for 38-week funding (except for the 30-hour funding, which is not offered over 38 weeks).

• Parents can choose just 15 or 30 funded hours, with the option to opt out of meals and consumables, subject to availability and place allocations.

• Where places are accessed solely for funding, we plan these around available spaces. We will therefore allocate your days according to availability. Whilst you may express a preference, this does not guarantee you will receive your chosen days.

Changes in Funding Eligibility

• If a family's eligibility for Working Families 30 hours funding changes, we will offer an alternative place based on the Universal Entitlement, subject to availability.

• We aim to maintain continuity of care but have limited space for certain session times.

Grace Periods

If a family's eligibility changes, Grace Periods allow continued funding for a short period:

Complaints Procedure for Government-Funded Entitlement

If you believe your funded place has not been provided correctly:

1. Submit a written complaint to the Nursery Manager for resolution.

2. If unresolved within four weeks, escalate to the Accounts Team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

3. If further action is required, contact your Local Authority for assistance.

4. Ofsted does not handle funding complaints; it is solely concerned with welfare, safeguarding, and the learning provision of children.

Policy Date: Aug 25
Review Date: Aug 26

Policy Information

Introduction

Categories of Information We Collect

Why We Collect and Use This Information

Lawful Basis for Processing

Collecting Children’s Information

Data Retention

Who We Share Information With

Why We Share Information

National Pupil Database (NPD)

Further Information

Your Data Protection Rights

Contact

Data Protection Officers