Nursery admissions

How to apply

An application from a parent for a nursery place should be made directly to us and we will allocate places in accordance with the admissions criteria, where over subscription has occurred.

Please call 01384 818 640 or email info@nppa.shirelandcat.net to apply.

All eligible children are entitled to access the free early education entitlement of 15 hours on a part-time basis for two years, from the beginning of the term after their third birthday until they reach compulsory school age, defined at Section 8 of the Education Act 1996 together with the Education (Start of Compulsory School Age) Order 1998 (SI 1998: 1607). A child will reach compulsory school age on or after their fifth birthday.

A child born between these dates will become eligible for a free place from:

• 1 April and 31 August – The start of the autumn term following their third birthday
• 1 September and 31 December – The start of the spring term following their third birthday
• 1 January and 31 March – The start of the summer term following their third birthday

These dates are set by the Department for Education and do not take account of variations in the date of Easter.

Nursery caters for children from three years old until they enter school.

Parents/Carers and their child are warmly invited to view nursery in session.

Application process

The child’s details are recorded in an admissions book. The Nursery Manager will contact the parents/carers by telephone during the half term before the intended admission date. The offer of a place is then put in writing and an acknowledgement slip is returned by the parents/carers.

An induction session is held for the new children and their parents/carers. These are informal play sessions which enable the children to meet their key worker, their new friends, explore the surroundings and for parents/carers to ask any questions and share any concerns.

Prior to admission all paperwork relating to the child must be completed by the parents/carers and returned to nursery.

All children settle into nursery in different ways. We will endeavour to meet the individual needs of the child and their parents/carers.

Parents/Carers are entitled to claim the nursery education grant in the term following their child’s third birthday. The relevant cut off dates are 31 December, 31 March and 31 August.

Places in nursery usually become available when the oldest children enter a reception class. Places may become available at other times if children leave Nursery. Newfield Park Nursery will hold a waiting list of unsuccessful applicants in cases where spaces become available during the year.

View our nursery admissions policy