Highfield Hall Primary School & Nursery Admissions Policy
Admissions to Highfield Hall Nursery
Highfield Hall Nursery provides high-quality term-time early years education for children aged 3 and 4 years. Our aim is to give every child the best possible start to their school life by providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment in which they can learn, develop and thrive.
We are committed to working in partnership with families and ensuring all children are treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
Admission Points
Children may be admitted to Nursery from the term following their third birthday at the following points during the academic year:
- September
- January
- April (subject to availability)
Applications may be made at any time and will be placed on the Nursery waiting list until a suitable place becomes available.
Admission Aims
Highfield Hall Nursery aims:
- To provide high-quality early years education for as many eligible children as possible.
- To ensure admissions support the smooth and effective organisation of the Nursery.
- To maintain safe staffing levels and statutory staff-to-child ratios.
- To provide consistent, high-quality Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision across the week.
- To promote equality, inclusion and positive outcomes for all children.
- To work closely with families to support children's individual needs and successful transition into Nursery.
Funded Childcare Entitlement
All 3 and 4-year-old children are entitled to 15 hours of government-funded early education each week.
Eligible working families may be entitled to an additional 15 hours of funded childcare, providing a total of 30 funded hours per week.
Further information regarding eligibility can be found through the Childcare Choices website.
Parents are responsible for ensuring eligibility codes are obtained and renewed in line with government requirements.
Nursery Session Offer
15-Hour Places
Parents may choose either:
Morning Sessions
- Monday to Friday
- 8.40am – 11.40am
Afternoon Sessions
- Monday to Friday
- 12.30pm – 3.30pm
30-Hour Places
A limited number of full-time places are available for children who qualify for the extended funded entitlement.
Monday to Thursday
- 8.40am – 3.30pm
Friday
- 8.40am – 11.30am
An optional extension until 3.30pm on Fridays may be available. Additional charges will apply.
As the number of 30-hour places is limited, these places are allocated subject to availability and operational capacity.
Allocation of Places
Applications are normally allocated in date-of-birth order, subject to the availability of places and the Nursery's ability to maintain a safe, high-quality learning environment for all children.
When allocating places, the Nursery will consider:
- Available places.
- Statutory staffing ratios.
- Session balance and organisation.
- The needs of individual children.
- Health and safety considerations.
- The effective operation of the Nursery.
Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate parental preferences, the Nursery reserves the right to offer an alternative attendance pattern where this is considered necessary to support a child's successful transition into Nursery or to ensure the safe and effective operation of the provision.
Inclusion, SEND and Disability
Highfield Hall Nursery is committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed, valued and supported to achieve their full potential.
We recognise our responsibilities under:
- The Equality Act 2010
- The Children and Families Act 2014
- The SEND Code of Practice
- The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework
The Nursery will not discriminate against a child or family on the grounds of disability, race, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, or any other protected characteristic.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered and implemented wherever possible to enable children to access and benefit from Nursery provision.
We strongly encourage parents and carers to share information regarding:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Medical conditions
- Developmental needs
- Social, emotional or behavioural needs
- Involvement from external professionals or agencies
at the earliest opportunity.
Open, honest and transparent communication enables the Nursery to plan effectively, undertake any necessary risk assessments, allocate resources appropriately and ensure the best possible transition into Nursery.
Where a child has identified SEND, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), significant medical needs, or requires substantial additional support, meetings may be arranged with parents and relevant professionals before admission to ensure that suitable provision can be planned.
Highfield Hall Nursery is committed to admitting children with SEND and disabilities wherever it is reasonable and safe to do so.
Prior to admission, the school may meet with parents, carers and relevant professionals to gather information and plan appropriate provision.
In exceptional circumstances, where the school identifies significant health and safety concerns or determines that reasonable adjustments alone would not enable a child's needs to be met safely within the available provision, the school will work with parents and relevant professionals to explore appropriate arrangements and next steps.
Any decision will be made on an individual basis, taking account of professional advice, the child's needs, available resources, the school's legal duties and the welfare of all children attending the Nursery.
Equal Opportunities
Highfield Hall Nursery promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of school life.
Admissions decisions will not be influenced by a child's disability, special educational needs, ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, family circumstances or any other protected characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
All children will be treated fairly and with respect.
Admission Decisions
Nursery admissions are managed directly by Highfield Hall Primary School.
The Nursery may be unable to offer a place immediately where:
- No suitable place is available.
- Admission would exceed statutory staffing ratios.
- Admission would compromise the safety or welfare of children already attending.
- Further information is required to enable the school to plan appropriate provision and ensure a safe transition.
The school reserves the right to defer admission where essential safeguarding, medical or information-sharing arrangements have not been completed.
Where appropriate, alternative attendance arrangements or future admission opportunities may be discussed with parents and carers.
Review of Admissions Decisions
Parents or carers who wish a Nursery admissions decision to be reviewed should write to:
Dr Bywaters
Headteacher
Highfield Hall Primary School
The Headteacher will review the decision and provide a written response.
As Nursery admissions are managed directly by the school, there is no statutory right of appeal through the school admissions appeals process.
Concerns regarding Nursery admissions may also be raised through the school's Complaints Procedure.
Transition to Reception
Admission to Highfield Hall Nursery does not guarantee admission to Highfield Hall Primary School Reception classes.
Parents must submit a separate application for a Reception place through Derbyshire County Council in accordance with the Local Authority admissions process.
Applying for a Nursery Place
Applications should be made directly to the Highfield Hall Primary School office.
To apply:
- Complete a Nursery Admission Form.
- Return the completed form to the school office.
- The application will be added to the waiting list.
- Families will be contacted when a suitable place becomes available.
Application forms are available from the school office.
Prospective families are warmly encouraged to visit the Nursery before applying.