Introduction

It is our intention to make our setting accessible to children from all sections of the local community. A copy of our nursery Policies and Procedures is available on request from the office. 

We are pleased to welcome prospective parents to our nursery on our normal working days so that they can see us in action and experience the atmosphere and activities for themselves. We provide a total childcare service to ensure that every child has the absolute best start in nursery life and provide the support that is essential to all parents.

Our admissions policy ensures that each setting operates as close to full capacity as possible, in line with Ofsted registrations. Admissions are open throughout the year, without reference to ability or aptitude, and are subject to availability.

Application Process

1. During parents’ enquiry or during arranging a nursery viewing, we will be able to confirm the sessions which are available for your child’s age group, depending on their start date. 

2. We have a Waiting List procedure for all age children who may want to join us. 

3. Parents must complete our Registration Form & Parental Agreement to apply for a place. 

4. Submitting a Registration Form does not guarantee a place, as availability varies depending on session capacity. If we are unable to find you a place, then we will refund your deposit. However, if you do not take up a place that is offered then you will forfeit this payment. 

5. A deposit of £100.00 is required at the time of application to secure a 51-weeks place for your child. Your deposit will be refunded with a 4 week’s written notice of termination of contract, assuming all payments are up to date. Payment through BACS should be made payable to: Rothley Park Kindergarten to secure your place. This entitles your child to our series of settling visits. Your child’s first visit to the nursery is particularly important and we take care to make this a special occasion. 

6. For children taking up government-funded only places without any additional services, the deposit is waived. 

7. For Working Families Funded Entitlement you will need to provide us with consent in writing to use your child’s details and your address to check your eligibility for funding and EYPP. You must also provide the National Insurance number of all applying parents and their dates of birth. To do this we will ask you to complete our Funding Parental Agreement each term period, which will be binding throughout your time with us. 

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 less days 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.

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 also based on the date of completed application and relevant deposit 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 with 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

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

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

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

3. Parents can choose Just 15/30 funded hours, with the option to opt out of meals, activities and consumables, subject to availability and place allocations. See also our Funding Policy & Consumables & Activities Policy

4. Where places are accessed on a Just 15/Just 30 bases then we offer these around other available spaces and therefore we will allocate your days according to our availability, rather than your preference. Whilst you may express a preference, there is no guarantee you will receive the days you choose.

5. Additional services such as meals, enrichment activities, consumables and extended hours are charged separately, and details can be found in our Schedule of Fees.

Changes in Funding Eligibility

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

2. We aim to maintain continuity of care but have limited space for certain sessions based on working to optimum occupancy levels.

Grace Periods

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 Senior Management Team via email at info@rothleyparkkindergarten.co.uk

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

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

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually.
Next Review Date: July 2027