Admissions Policy at Mulberry Garden

At Mulberry Garden we care for children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years. The numbers and ages of children admitted to Mulberry Garden 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.

Mulberry Garden 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 registration document which forms a contract with Mulberry Garden. These documents provide Mulberry Garden with personal details relating to the child:

●  Name

●  Date of birth

●  Start Date

●  Address

●  Emergency contact details

●  Parent contact details

●  Parental responsibilities

●  Dietary requirements

●  Collection arrangements

●  Fees and sessions

●  Doctor’s contact details

●  Health visitor contact details

●  Details of known allergies

●  Medical details

●  Vaccination details

●  Parental consent

Providers eligible to provide government funded places for early education

All settings registered to accept government funding (detailed in the code of practice) must offer free places for two to five year olds for early learning sessions specified by B&NES. Mulberry Garden currently provides 20 free funded places for children, subject to availability. Following your child’s second or third birthday (as per your child’s funding application date agreed by B&NES), these places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and can be booked a term in advance.

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.