Admissions

Admissions 

 This policy aims to ensure the best practise for admission to Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nurseries, to enable the maximum number of children to access early years provision. 

We are committed to providing a fair admission system and we aim to deliver flexible care and education, acknowledging that family circumstances differ widely and with the aim of assisting those who work or are seeking to gain employment. 

Eligibility 

Any child can attend Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nurseries, there is no catchment area and priority is not dependant upon proximity to the setting. Attendance at Truly Scrumptious does not guarantee a place at any specific school and parents must apply separately  for the school of their choice. 

Waiting lists 

We operate a waiting list system, where places are offered in order of enquiry, however siblings of children who already attend the nursery and children who require full time spaces will take priority. 

Admission Process 

• Initial “show around” visit where parents can have a tour of the nursery, meet the staff and managers and get a feel for the nursery 

• If a place is agreed, registration paperwork will be sent to the parents to complete; 

• Contract of childcare, emergency contact information, permission forms, collections arrangement forms, dietary requirement forms, “all about me” forms- with details of home language, likes and dislikes etc- we invite parents to come in and go through the “all about me” form with the member of staff who will be caring for the child 

• Deposit invoices will be sent out to parents, the deposit price is dependant on the amount of days the child will attend ( x1 day-£200, x2 days £250, x3 days £300, x4 days £350, 5 days £400) The deposit hold the childs place and is payable in advance. It is refunded on the childs departure (last day) 

• Funding forms will be generated (where funding is applicable)  

• Childrens files will be created, and their famly profile will be made with parents receiving a link to download the app. 

 Our aim is to build constructive relationships with parents in the following ways: 

1. By creating opportunities for the exchange of information, using among other resources a copy of the nursery’s prospectus. 

1. Settling in policy and procedures, class routine and an assessment of new entrant form for the parents to fill in and return to us with their child, when they start nursery. 

1. By reassuring parents whose children may be taking a long time settling into the nursery, bringing in new strategies in accordance with our procedures quickly to help with settling in, when appropriate, a transitional object can be brought in from home. Pictures of the day spent can be sent home via the family App 

1. By giving parents a daily verbal report at the end of each session covering the child’s progress. 

Procedures 

After the initial visit, the parent is encouraged to talk about coming to the setting, having an optional uniform and a peg where they can hang their coats and belongings this will make them feel they have a place at the setting. 

A photo of themselves on the wall above their coats will make them feel valued. And encourage name recognition. 

• Our procedure would be for you to stay for a brief period until the child becomes familiar with the surroundings, and then leave as quickly as possible. 

• Staff will be ready to take over from you with reassurances that we would phone you if we were unable to settle your child. The parent is encouraged to ring us in half an hour for an update and reassurance. 

• Great efforts would be made to distract or interest the child in what is going on and being supported to for as long as is needed. 

• We understand that children need to share their feelings, so we need to explain that it is alright to have a cry and it is alright to be sad. Leaving mummy or daddy is extremely hard to start with, but they are coming back to pick them up. 

• If your child continues to be distressed coming into nursery we will get together and discuss the best way forward. It may be better for us to use the telephone rather than talk in front of your child. 

• We may invite you to stay with your child for a longer period until they are familiar with the surroundings, and then to leave quickly when all seems well. 

• We may suggest you return to nursery earlier to collect your child and then each day extend the length of time. 

We want your child to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents, and to recognise other adults as a source of authority, help and friendship and to be able to share with their parents afterward their new learning experiences enjoyed in the nursery. 

Children cannot play or learn successfully if they are anxious and unhappy. Our settling in procedures aim to help parents and children feel comfortable in the nursery and help to ensure that the child can benefit from their time at nursery, confident in the knowledge that their parents will return to collect them at the end of the session. 

 All staff will greet the children on arrival, so they are acknowledged and valued as part of the team. 

 Each child will have an online learning journey (FAMLY) and all information on progress will be written in as observation. Children have the freedom of the outside and inside environment at all sessions 

Children are monitored and observed. Planning and evaluation are regularly done to inform us of the ‘next step’ in learning is achieved. 

 Children who need extra help, outside agencies are sought with the parents to ensure children’s individual needs are met. (See the Additional needs policy) 

Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance is used to assist planning and development needs. 

Reviewed by Hayley Binion- Manager- August 2024