Introduction

LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to providing a fair, transparent, and inclusive admissions process for all families. We welcome children aged 6 months to 5 years and operate from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, at our Coventry location (CV1 5HA) with a maximum capacity of 200 children.

This policy outlines our admission procedures, eligibility criteria, and the steps involved in enrolling your child at our nursery.

1. Our Admission Philosophy

At LoveSpring Nursery School, we believe in:

• Providing equal opportunities for all children regardless of background, ability, or circumstances
• Creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment
• Supporting children with additional needs through appropriate provisions
• Working in partnership with parents and carers throughout the admission process
• Maintaining transparency in all our admission decisions and procedures

2. Eligibility Criteria

2.1 Age Requirements

We accept children from 6 months to 5 years of age. Children are placed in age-appropriate rooms:

• Baby Room: 6 months - 2 years
• Toddler Room: 2 - 3 years
• Preschool Room: 3 - 5 years

2.2 Availability

Admission is subject to space availability in the appropriate age group. We maintain Ofsted-recommended staff-to-child ratios:

• 1:3 for children under 2 years
• 1:4 for children aged 2-3 years
• 1:8 for children aged 3-5 years

3. Admission Process

3.1 Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Initial Inquiry: Contact us via phone, email, or our online registration form
2. Nursery Tour: Schedule a visit to tour our facilities and meet our staff
3. Application Form: Complete our comprehensive registration form
4. Documentation: Submit required documents (see section 4)
5. Placement Offer: Receive a formal placement offer letter
6. Acceptance: Sign and return the acceptance form with deposit
7. Settling-in Sessions: Arrange introductory sessions for your child
8. Full Admission: Begin regular attendance according to agreed schedule

3.2 Waiting List

When spaces are unavailable, children will be placed on our waiting list. Waiting list positions are determined by:

• Date of application
• Priority criteria (as outlined above)
• Required start date
• Session requirements

We review the waiting list regularly and contact families as spaces become available.

4. Required Documentation

The following documents must be provided before a child can start at our nursery:

5. Fees and Funding

5.1 Fee Structure

Our current fee structure is as follows:

5.2 Government Funding

We accept the following government funding schemes:

• 15 Hours Free Entitlement: Available for all 3-4 year olds
• 30 Hours Free Entitlement: Available for eligible working families of 3-4 year olds
• 2-Year-Old Funding: For eligible disadvantaged 2-year-olds

Funding can be used during term time only (38 weeks per year). Additional hours outside funded periods are charged at our standard rates.

5.3 Payment Terms

• Fees are payable monthly in advance
• Payment is due by the 1st of each month
• We accept bank transfers, childcare vouchers, and tax-free childcare
• A non-refundable registration fee of £50 is required to secure a place
• One month's notice is required for withdrawal or reduction of sessions

6. Settling In Procedure

We understand that starting nursery is a significant transition for both children and parents. Our settling-in process includes:

6.1 Pre-admission Visits

• Two free settling-in sessions (1-2 hours each)
• Opportunity for parents to stay during initial sessions
• Gradual separation based on child's comfort level
• Introduction to key workers and classroom environment

6.2 Communication

• Daily handover discussions with key workers
• Regular updates through our parent communication app
• Progress reviews after first month
• Open door policy for parent concerns

7. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We are committed to inclusive education and welcome children with additional needs. Our SEND provisions include:

• Dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
• Individual education plans where required
• Partnership with local authority support services
• Adapted facilities and resources
• Staff training in inclusive practices

We conduct thorough assessments to ensure we can meet each child's needs before admission.

8. Equal Opportunities

LoveSpring Nursery School admits children regardless of:

• Race, ethnicity, or national origin
• Religion or belief system
• Gender or gender identity
• Disability or additional needs
• Family background or socioeconomic status

We make reasonable adjustments to ensure our nursery is accessible to all children and families.

9. Complaints and Appeals

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our admission process:

1. Discuss your concerns with the Nursery Manager
2. If unresolved, submit a formal complaint in writing
3. We will acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days
4. A full investigation and response will be provided within 14 working days
5. If still unsatisfied, you may appeal to the nursery owner

10. Policy Review

This Admissions Policy is reviewed:

• Annually by the management team
• Following changes in legislation or funding arrangements
• After any significant incident or complaint
• With input from staff, parents, and governing bodies