Nursery Admissions

Children can be registered from the age of six months, ready to start at two years old if places are available. Main admissions take place in September, although places may occasionally open up throughout the year.

To apply for a place, please read through the information below.

Please Email: nursery@colleton.wokingham.sch.uk to enquire about being put on our nursery waiting list.

We aim to ensure that all of the community receive accessible information, and that our admissions procedures are fair, clear and open to all parents who apply for a place at the Colleton Nursery.

• The setting is widely advertised in places accessible to all of the community.
• Information about the setting is accessible, using plain English, in written and spoken form and, where appropriate, provided in different community languages and in other formats on request.
• Children with disabilities are supported to take full part in all activities within the setting and the setting makes reasonable adjustments to ensure that this will be the case from the time the child is placed on the waiting list.
• The waiting list is arranged in birth order and in addition may take into account the following:
• the age of the child with priority being given to children eligible for the free entitlement
• length of time on the waiting list
• the vicinity of the home to the setting
• siblings already attending the setting
• the capacity of the setting to meet the individual needs of the child
• Funded places are offered in accordance with the Early Years Entitlements: Operational Guidance for local authorities and providers (DfE 2018) and any local conditions in place at the time
• Where it is financially viable to do so, a place is kept vacant for an emergency admission.
• The setting and its practices are welcoming and make it clear that fathers, mothers, other relations and carers and childminders are all welcome.
• The setting and its practices operate in a way that encourages positive regard for and understanding of difference and ability, whether gender, family structure, class, background, religion, ethnicity or competence in spoken English.
• The needs and individual circumstances of children joining the setting are monitored, to ensure that no accidental or unintentional discrimination is taking place and that reasonable adjustments are made as required.
• Places are provided in accordance with Childcare and early education terms and conditions issued to every parent when the child takes up their place. Failure to comply may result in the provision of a place being withdrawn.

Nursery Admissions

• Once you have been in contact with the setting and are confirmed on our waiting list, we will be in contact closer to the date that you wish your child to start.  (Autumn term intake, Spring term intake, Summer term intake).  If you are already on the waiting list and want to check any details, please feel free to Email us at any point on: nursery@colleton.wokingham.sch.uk and we will be happy to help.

• Once an early education and childcare place has been offered the relevant paperwork is completed by the setting before the child starts and filed on the child’s personal file.  For example:  Early education and childcare registration form – contains personal information about the child and family that must be completed in full prior to the child commencing.

Children with SEND

• The manager must seek to determine an accurate assessment of a child’s needs at registration.  If the child’s needs cannot be met from within the setting’s core budget, then an application for SEN inclusion funding must be made immediately.
• Children with identified SEND must be offered a place when one becomes available as with any other child.  However, the start date for children with more complex SEND will be determined by the preparations made to ensure the child’s safety, well-being and accessibility in the setting.  If a child’s needs determine that adjustments need to be made, the manager must outline a realistic timeframe for completion, detailing the nature of adjustments e.g. risk assessment, staff training, health care plan and all other adjustments required. The child’s safety at all times is paramount.
• At the time of registration, the manager must check to see if a child’s family is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, if so, the manager must ask for evidence to enable them to claim the Disability Access Fund directly from the local authority.  If the family is eligible but not in receipt of the allowance, the setting manager will supportthe family in their application. More information can be found at gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim.
• Preparation for admitting a child with SEND must be made in a reasonable amount of time and any delay in the child starting is scrutinised by the setting manager to avoid discrimination and negative impact on the child and family. During a preparation period the family and relevant agencies and the local authority must be regularly updated on the progress of the preparations.

Safeguarding/child protection

If information is provided by the parents that a child who is starting at the setting is currently, or has had involvement with social care, the designated person will contact the agency to seek further clarification.

Parents are advised on how to access the setting’s policies and procedures.

Further guidance

Early Years Entitlements: Operational guidance for local authorities and providers (DfE 2018) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/718181/Early_years_entitlements-operational_guidance.pdf

Nursery Funding and fees

Pre-school Visits

Prior to children starting school, they are invited to attend a morning session. Whilst the children are busy becoming familiar with their new environment, parents are invited to a meeting with the Headteacher, Foundation Stage Leader and representatives from the Governing Body and parents’ association (CPTA). Both parents and children find these visits extremely useful in getting to know the school.

Home Visits

In addition, a member of the Foundation Stage team will arrange a visit to meet parents and the child at home, prior to the school visit. These are arranged once your place at the school has been allocated.

For further information please contact Wokingham Borough Council.

A guide and application is available from:

Postal Address:
Admissions Section
Children’s Services
Wokingham Borough Council
Shute End
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 1WN

Telephone: 0118 974 6000
Facsimile: 0118 974 6135

E-mail: schooladmissions@wokingham.gov.uk
Web: www.wokingham.gov.uk
Map: Interactive map of directions to The Colleton Primary School.

The Colleton catchment area