Starting Nursery
Children who reach 3 years of age by the end of August can start Nursery in August. Children who reach 3 years of age between 1st of September and the last day in February can also start nursery the day after their third birthday. Children who reach 3 years of age between March and July cannot start nursery until August. Your child’s place ends in the term prior to their expected entry into Primary 1.
Nursery Applications
In January, before your child turns three years of age, all parent/carers should complete an application for the nursery and return it by the date specified, usually the beginning of February. Parent/carer’s should also produce their child’s birth certificate and a recent council tax bill at this time. Applications will not be accepted or processed without this information. Specific dates for completing application forms will be communicated in the local press and throughout the community. Application forms can be collected from the school office, or downloaded from North Lanarkshire Council Website.
Once applications are received, they are categorised and placed on the system. Applications are then considered by an Admissions Panel, which consists of Heads of early years establishments and any other agencies involved in supporting children and their families. All nursery places are allocated in line with North Lanarkshire Council’s admission policy.
In May, you will receive an offer of place letter and a reply slip which should be returned by the date specified to inform us if you wish to accept your place.
Admissions Policy
All nursery places are allocated in line with the Council’s admissions policy and the nursery staff will be happy to advise you how this policy operates when you apply for a place for your child. A leaflet detailing the Council’s policy is also available from all establishments. If you want a copy, please ask for one.
An admissions panel will meet at regular intervals throughout the year to decide how nursery places will be allocated.
The panel will consist of all heads of pre-five establishments in the area, a representative from divisional offices and representatives of the other agencies involved in supporting children and their families e.g. Social Work Department, Health Board.
Numbers of children at each daily session and patterns of attendance
Capacity
50 a.m. Actual at present 50 a.m.
50 p.m. Actual at present 50 p.m.
Children attend on 5 mornings or 5 afternoons respectively.
Register of Applicants
A register of all applicants will be kept by the head of establishment and the information contained in the applications will be considered by the admissions panel to assist in the allocation of places.
Parents can ask to see their application form at any time. If circumstances change which affect the application you should speak to the Head of Establishment.
Enrolment Procedures
Throughout the year Early Learning Practitioners will visit parents and children at home. Each parent / child is given a specific appointment time to allow initial introductions to take place between parents, children and their key practitioner.
During this visit parents complete an Enrolment form and have the opportunity to discuss their child with the Early Learning Practitioners. This allows the child and parent to meet with the member of Staff who will have responsibility for the child during their stay in Nursery (where possible). Parents are given a little booklet giving information about the Nursery.
In August children are introduced to Nursery in small groups. Parents are encouraged to stay with their child initially. Children begin by staying for one hour only and build up time gradually depending on individual needs.
