Admissions Policy

1. Policy Statement

At Fairyland Nursery, we are committed to providing high-quality childcare and early years education in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. We aim to support children to reach their full potential while offering flexible childcare solutions that meet the needs of working parents and families.

We operate an open and fair admissions process that promotes equality of opportunity and ensures that all families are treated with respect. We welcome children and families from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, abilities, and family circumstances.

2. Purpose

This policy outlines how places are allocated at the nursery and ensures that admissions are managed fairly and transparently, in accordance with current legislation and funding requirements.

3. Admissions Criteria

The nursery accepts children from the age of three months until they are eligible to transfer to school.

Places are allocated according to the following criteria:

1. Availability of places within the relevant age group.
2. Date of application and placement on the waiting list.
3. The child's start date requirements.
4. The nursery's ability to meet the individual needs of the child.
5. Siblings of children already attending the nursery may be given priority where possible.

The nursery reserves the right to balance admissions to maintain appropriate staffing ratios and age group distributions in accordance with statutory requirements.

4. Equal Opportunities

The nursery is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. All children and families will be treated fairly, respectfully, and equitably regardless of :

• Age
• Disability or special educational needs
• Race, ethnicity, or nationality
• Religion or belief
• Gender or gender reassignment
• Marital or family status
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Sexual orientation
• Socio-economic background

Reasonable adjustments will be made wherever possible to support children with additional needs and disabilities.

5. Funded Childcare Places

The nursery supports the Government's funded childcare schemes and is committed to ensuring that funded places are accessible to all eligible families.

We will:

• Offer funded childcare places in accordance with local authority requirements.
• Treat families accessing funded places equally and fairly.
• Ensure that children accessing funded hours receive the same high-quality care and educational opportunities as all other children attending the nursery.
• Provide clear information regarding funded entitlements, eligibility criteria, and any additional services that may incur charges.

6. Supporting Working Parents

We recognise the importance of reliable childcare for working families and strive to offer flexible attendance patterns where availability permits.

The nursery will:

• Consider requests for flexible sessions where possible.
• Provide clear information about opening hours and session options.
• Work in partnership with parents to support employment, training, and education commitments.
• Maintain open communication regarding availability and waiting lists.

7. Application Process

Parents wishing to secure a place should:

1. Complete an application/registration form.
2. Provide all required information and documentation.
3. Pay any applicable registration fee or deposit (where applicable).

A place will be confirmed in writing once availability has been agreed and all required documentation has been received.

8. Waiting List

Where places are unavailable, children may be placed on a waiting list. Placement on the waiting list does not guarantee a future place.

Parents will be contacted when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

9. Settling-In Arrangements

Prior to admission, children and parents will be offered settling-in sessions to support a smooth transition into nursery life. These sessions help children become familiar with the environment, staff, and routines.

10. Confidentiality

All information provided during the admissions process will be handled confidentially and in accordance with data protection legislation.

11. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes occur in legislation, local authority guidance, or nursery procedures.

Policy Review Date: 29^th May 2026

Next Review Date: 29^th May 2027

Signed (Manager/Owner): TMN VU