Policy Intention

 

This policy ensures we have a fair and consistent process for allocating places based on our principles and ethos.

All children and families are valued and must have an opportunity to access high quality early care and education based on equity and impartiality.

 

Families have a right to an admissions procedure that is clear, accessible, and free from discrimination.

 

This policy covers how to enquire for a place, show round procedures, applying for and securing a place and how place allocation, a waiting list, and deposits or other fees apply.

We ensure transparency on the use of funding, prioritisation of places and the operation of a waiting list.

 

Procedure

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Safeguarding & Welfare

• We aim to provide and accessible setting and will make reasonable adaptions to insure everyone can access an early years education.

• We follow the government guidelines regarding ratios

3.32.For children aged under two:

• there must be at least one member of staff for every three children

• at least one member of staff must hold an approved level 3 qualification, and must be suitably experienced in working with children under two

• at least half of all other staff must hold an approved level 2 qualification

• at least half of all staff must have received training that specifically addresses the care of babies

• where there is a room for under two-year-olds, the member of staff in charge of that room must, in the judgement of the provider, have suitable experience of working with under twos

3.33.For children aged two:

• there must be at least one member of staff for every five children

• at least one member of staff must hold an approved level 3 qualification

• at least half of all other staff must hold an approved level 2 qualification

3.37.For children aged three and over in independent schools (including in nursery classes in academies), where there is no person with Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional Status, Early Years Teacher Status or another approved level 6 qualification, no instructor, and no suitably qualified overseas trained teacher, working directly with the children:

• there must be at least one member of staff for every eight children

• at least one member of staff must hold an approved level 3 qualification

• at least half of all other staff must hold an approved level 2 qualification

• The children in the setting range from 0-11 (school age children before/after school and during the holidays. They will be split according to their age bracket depending on staff and number of children.

• Our opening hours are 7am until 7pm. There may be an additional charge for the first and last hours if not enough children to cover staff ratio.

• 2, 3 and 4 year funding is available, additional charges for consumables will apply.

• On inquiry parents will be directed to the website to gain information on the setting's policies and procedures with the day to day running. You will then be offered a chance to view the setting and chat with the staff. If both parties are happy then you will either be offered a place or put on the waiting list. When a space is available then the relevant forms will be provide along with payment information on the first months invoice.

• Prioritising places for looked after children, SEND and siblings.

• When spaces are not available a waiting list will be created with days and hour preferences. The child's full name and contact details will be taken. Spaces will be offered to the top of the list initially then worked down the list.

• Once a space is given and deposit paid then the child will be offered a free one hour settling session, if more are required then they will charged at the normal hourly rate. This will be discussed with parents. There will be a month's settling in period where either party can cancel the contract without notice. Each child will be allocated a key person which will be the first port of call for queries and updates.

• Once a child has completed their first month then a months notice will be required from either party to end the contract.
  
   

Other useful policies:

• Fees and funding

• Concerns and complaints

• Key Person

 

Useful links:

 

Early years entitlements: operational guidance for local authorities and providers