Admissions Policy

At Rhymes Nursery we care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years.

The numbers and ages of children admitted to the nursery comply with the legal space requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). When considering admissions we are mindful of staff: child ratios and the facilities available at the nursery.

The nursery uses the following admission criteria, which is applied in the following order of priority:

Looked after children
A child known by the local authority to have special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND) and whose needs can be best met at the preferred nursery
A vulnerable child with either a Child Protection or a Child in Need Plan, or in receipt of other local authority support
Children who have siblings who are already with us
Children whose parents live within the area.

A child requiring a full-time place may have preference over one requiring a part-time place. This is dependent upon work commitments, occupancy and room availability. We operate a waiting list and places are offered on an availability basis.

We operate an Inclusion and equality policy and ensure that all children have access to nursery places and services irrespective of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation of parents.

Prior to a child attending nursery, parents must complete and sign a contract and registration form. These forms provide the nursery with personal details relating to the child. For example, name, date of birth, address, emergency contact details, parental responsibilities, dietary requirements, collection arrangements, fees and sessions, contact details for parents, doctor’s contact details, health visitor contact details, allergies, parental consent and vaccinations etc.

Providers eligible to provide government funded places for early education

All settings registered to accept government funding, must offer the funded places for eligible children for early learning sessions specified by the local authority. At Rhymes Nursery we currently provide government funded places for children; this is subject to availability. These places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and can be booked a term in advance. Please note for the admissions of the government funded nursery education places we have a termly intake and a subject to parents obtaining a valid code.

All funded sessions are now in line with the flexible arrangement as specified by the Government. When you register your child for their funded place, we will discuss your needs and, as far as possible with availability and staffing arrangements, we will accommodate your wishes. We reserve the right to limit and/or have specific funded sessions, according to our business requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Childcare Funding

What is childcare funding, and how can it benefit me?

Childcare funding is a government scheme to help families cover the cost of early years education for children aged 9 months, 2, 3, and 4. Eligible families can access up to 15 or 30 hours of free childcare per week, depending on their circumstances.

When does my child become eligible for funded childcare?

Your child becomes eligible the term after they meet the age criteria for funding. For a detailed chart outlining eligibility based on your child’s date of birth, visit the Childcare Choices website. This handy chart helps you determine when your free funded childcare hours will begin.

Do you charge for consumables or extras?

No, we do not charge for consumables. However, daily meals are optional and can be arranged directly with the Nursery Manager. Additionally, extra-curricular activities provided by outside professionals are available but optional, with rates varying based on the service.

Are there limits on funded-only places?

We don’t have a limit on funded-only places. However, the availability of funded-only sessions depends on each setting’s capacity and staff-to-child ratio requirements.

What do I need to do to apply for funding?

To apply for funded childcare hours, you’ll need to check your eligibility and complete the application process through the Childcare Choices website. Once approved, you can discuss your funding options directly with us.

What sessions are available for funded hours?

We offer flexible sessions tailored to funded hours based on your needs and the capacity of our nursery. Speak to us to find a schedule that works for you.

Can I combine funded hours with additional paid childcare?

Yes, you can combine your funded hours with additional paid childcare to meet your family’s needs. We’ll work with you to create a suitable plan.

Feel free to contact the Nursery Manager if you have any specific questions or if you’d like to arrange a meeting to discuss your childcare plan. For more information, visit the Childcare Choices website.