Introduction 

ABC Studio Childcare is a Nursery for girls and boys from 2 years to 5 years old. 

This policy is addressed to prospective parents and children and to all members of the teaching and administration staff. 

We do not take children outside of the age group above unless there are exceptional circumstances. This is at the sole discretion of the Nursery Manager.

Equality, Disability and Special Educational Needs 

We welcome children from all ethnic groups and backgrounds. We have never discriminated and have no intention in the future of discriminating against any child on the grounds of sex, race, religion, belief or additional needs. We will do all that we can reasonably do to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities/additional needs subject to the resources and facilities available at the time. At the time of registration, parents must inform us in writing of the full details of any disability or additional need and keep the setting updated thereafter. This information will allow us to assess if we can accommodate the child’s needs and make any reasonable adjustments. We will consider all applications fairly. If any additional need or disability becomes apparent after admission, we will consult with the child’s parents.

Applying for a place at the Nursery 

Parents could apply at any point after birth using the online application form and make a bank transfer of the £60 registration fee directly to the bank account detailed on the form. 

When allocating places, priority is given to children who are: 

• Children of the employees

• Children who have siblings already attending ABC Studio Childcare (present and then past) 

In addition, the Nursery may take into account the following factors: 

• Availability of spaces; taking into account the staff/child ratios, the age of the   

            child and the applicants’ registration requirements 

• The date application is submitted 

• The Nursery’s ability to provide the facilities for the welfare of the child

• Extenuating circumstances affecting the child’s welfare or/and the welfare of the child

• The Nursery’s perception of the family’s long-term commitment to the Nursery 

 Tour of the Nursery 

Please fill in the enquiry form to arrange a visit. 

Nursery waiting list 

If we are unable to offer a place, the child will automatically remain on the waiting list for possible admission in the nearest future, as and when places become available.

Unfortunately, it is not possible or us to keep parents regularly updated with regards to child’s position on the waiting list. If your circumstances have changed since your application, and you are no longer looking for a place at the nursery, we would be very grateful if you could let us know.

Offer of place 

Offers are dependent on the child’s, the date current children move onto other settings and current children increasing their attendance. This means that there is no official offer date/period. 

An offer is made in writing and sent by email/post.

Accepting a place 

In order to accept a place, parents must confirm acceptance, bring their original birth certificate (we will then copy) or provide a legally certified copy and pay the deposit by the deadline stated in the offer letter. If no response has been received by the specified deadline, the place will be re-offered to another child on the waiting list. The deposit is currently 1 month’s payment which is subject to a 14-day cooling off period from the date of the offer letter. After this time, the deposit will be retained. 

The deposit is refunded after the exact 1 month’s notice has been given or could be used as a payment for the last month of attendance.

Information Sharing

Once a place has been accepted, parents are asked to complete our online New Starter Information Form and this must be completed and signed in advance of the start date. The information in this form is used to ensure that we can cater for the needs of each individual child. Before a child starts at Nursery, parents are also asked to sign the Southwark Parent Agreement which enables us to claim funding in the term after a child turns 3. 

Parents are invited to all information evenings and have the opportunity to be fully informed about all elements of Nursery life and to meet key staff. 

Settling-In

The first few days at Nursery can be an emotional time and settling children in is one of our major priorities. Start dates are staggered to enable all new children to have individual attention from their key worker. Session times for their first three days are shorter to allow children to ease gently into their new environment. Settling-in days take place on the days that a child will actually be here long term. For example, if a child is here on a Monday and Tuesday each week, he or she will settle-in on a Monday and Tuesday in the first week and Monday of the following week. The start date is day one of the settling-in period. Settling-in days are charged at the full (8.30am-4.30pm) rate despite being shorter days so that our staff can provide every child with a smooth transition to ABC Studio Childcare.

For the first two days, we ask that parents stay in the room with their child (or on site) and the hours of attendance are as follows: 

Day One: 9.30am – 11.30am 

Day Two: 9.30am – 12.30pm (includes lunch) 

On the third day, if your child is settling well, you may leave the Nursery, but you must be easily contactable and able to return if asked. 

Day Three: 9.30am – 3.00pm 

We encourage all parents to bring in special toys or comforters and these are particularly useful if they are used at home at sleep time.