Policies

Admissions Policy

It is the intention of Rainbow Nursery to make our provision accessible to children and families from all sections of the community. Our admissions policy operates within an equal opportunities framework and is regularly reviewed.

Rainbow Nursery opened in September 2003 and is Ofsted registered. Our unique Ofsted registration number is: EY266850. The certificate of registration can be found in the main corridor within both mobile units.

We will ensure that the existence of Rainbow Nursery is widely known in local communities. (Advertising notices will be placed in widely accessible areas, in more than one language if appropriate)
We will describe practices in terms which make it clear that all sections of the community are welcomed.
We will ensure that the description of the setting and its practices demonstrates how the setting enables children and/or parents with additional needs to take part in the activity of the setting.
We will monitor the gender and ethnic background of the individuals joining the group to monitor our intake and ensure it is representative of social diversity.
We will ensure that information about our setting is accessible in written form to all. (Where possible we will try to provide spoken form, Braille, in more than one language, through signing or an interpreter.)
Children from the age of 3 months will be admitted in accordance with our Ofsted Registration.
We will endeavour to be flexible regarding attendance to accommodate the needs of all families. However, for the comfort of the children who already attend the nursery, we ask that families do not visit at lunch time when children are eating and resting.

The waiting list will be monitored and reviewed regularly.

The following factors will be taken into consideration in allocating places:

The age of the child.
Where 2 year old places are available, hours will be prioritised for children who are eligible to access 2 year old funding.
Where 3 & 4 year old places are available, hours will be prioritised for children who are eligible to access their Early Years Entitlement (EYE).
Length of time on waiting list
Siblings already attending the setting
The vicinity of the home to the setting
Extenuating circumstances affecting the child's welfare or the welfare of his/her family;

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

Parents/carers must complete a registration form before their child can attend and sign consent for this information to be maintained by Rainbow Nursery in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Ofsted Registration requirement under The 1989 Children Act.

The following information must also be provided on the Nursery Registration Form:

• Child’s full name and date of birth

• Address and telephone numbers of family

• Immunisation history

• Medical details including allergies, dietary requirements or medication

• Details of all individuals who have permission to collect the child from nursery

• Emergency contact details

• Details of any special educational needs the child may have

• Ethnicity

• Name and address of doctor

• Details of sessions required and preferred start date

Parental rights are given to the individuals stated on a child’s birth certificate. If a parent has been relinquished of their parental rights, we require official written notice such as a court order or similar.

Funded Places

EYE places will be offered in accordance with the Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on Delivery of Early Years Provision.

The nursery offers funding from the term after a child turns 9 months as well as 2, 3 & 4 year olds.

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis with the exception of children attending the pre-school for EYE Funding sessions. When the nursery reaches maximum capacity, children are placed on a waiting list which is reviewed periodically. Parents will be contacted when a place becomes available.

Please note that although a funded place may be offered, there is no obligation for the nursery to fulfil all funded hours if it is not feasible for the setting. For example – a child is entitled to 15 hours universal funding however the nursery is only able to offer a place for 12 hours due to spaces and/or availability of staff. Parents/carers are able to spread the funding over two settings so the remaining 3 hours could be used at an additional nursery if needed.

The nursery has two priorities when allocating 3 year old EYE Funded only places:-

1. Priority is given to children already attending and paying for childcare within the nursery as we rely on this income to function as a childcare provider.

2. Vulnerable, at risk and looked after children as well as children with Special Educational Needs.

Once all places have been allocated, children will be placed on a waiting list which will again be in birth order. Children on the waiting list may be given priority in the following year.

Attendance patterns of children accessing the nursery for EYE Funded places will be monitored. Any sessions which are not being used regularly will be re-allocated to children on the waiting list.

Further information about EYE funding is available through the nursery office.

Payment of hours outside of funding

Fee payment is required monthly in advance by BACS, Childcare Vouchers or Tax Free Childcare.

If any fees remain unpaid by the end of the month your child’s place may be offered to another child on the waiting list.

Each child’s attendance at the group is conditional upon payment of the necessary fees.

One months notice is required of any cancellation.

Rainbow Nursery encourages prompt payment but recognises that at times some parents/carers may experience financial difficulties. Rainbow Nursery will ensure that no child/children/families are penalised should this situation arise. Rainbow Nursery will endeavour to arrange a payment plan that is acceptable to both parties, enabling the child/children to continue to attend. All financial matters will be dealt with the utmost sensitivity and consideration and in confidence.

In the event of non payment:

The Manager will liaise with the parent/carer concerned
A payment plan will be agreed if necessary
Where payments continue to be unpaid after one month, the owner/chair of the committee will liaise with the parent/carer to arrange payment options to resolve the issues.
Where there is no resolution, fees remain outstanding or the debt is increasing, the child’s/children’s place will be withdrawn

Packed Lunch Policy

Early Packed Lunch Policy

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