Applying for a nursery place
Applying for a nursery place is a big step for you and your child, and you will no doubt have many questions about how this process works. This section of the website is designed to help you with any queries you might have.
PLEASE NOTE: This section relates to nursery places for children from the age of 3 years in Community, Voluntary Controlled and Voluntary Aided Schools. Should you require information on child care available from private providers or for children under the age of 3 years please go to childcare.
- How to apply for a nursery place
- Changing schools at any other time
- When do children start nursery?
- When should I apply for a nursery place?
- If my child has special educational needs, how will this affect my application?
- How are nursery places allocated?
- How will I know I have been offered a nursery place for my child?
- Can I appeal if I do not get the school I want ?
- What happens if I apply for a place after the allocation date?
- How do waiting lists work ?
- Apply for a place on-line
- Who do I contact for more information?
How to apply for a nursery place?
The Admission & Exclusions Team deals with admissions to nursery classes in Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools. Parents can either apply online or alternatively contact the Admissions and Exclusion Team to request an application form. Upon completion the application form should be returned to Children's Services Directorate, Admissions and Exclusions Team, Minerva House, Pendlebury Road, Swinton, M27 4EQ.
For admission to Voluntary Aided Schools parents can also apply online or contact the Admissions and Exclusion Team to request an application form. Upon completion the application form should be returned to the Children's Services Directorate (full address above) who will forward it to the relevant governing body for their decision.
If you do apply for a place using the online service there's no need to fill in a paper application form.
Some Voluntary Aided Schools may require supplementary information, we will write to and advise you if this is the case.
Before you complete your application form, you should read Salford's primary admission booklet which explains the admissions procedure in full.
Please remember that your child is not guaranteed a nursery place at the school of your choice at this stage, but consideration will be given to your request.
The deadline for making your application for a September 2009 place is 9 January 2009
Please note if you do not return your form by the 9 January 2009 it will be dealt with after all those applications which are received on time. You should be aware that late application could reduce your chance of obtaining a place at your preferred school.
Changing schools at any other time
Whether you are moving into Salford or moving to another part of the city you should first discuss the matter with the head teachers of the schools concerned. If you have any problems or require more information you should contact the Admissions and Exclusions Team, telephone 0161 778 0415/0467.
When do children start nursery?
Places in nursery are offered from the September following your child’s 3rd birthday
When should I apply for a nursery place
Salford encourages parents/carers to make informed decisions about their preference of a place in a school for their child. When your child is about 2 years old find out as much as you can about schools near to you. Talk to neighbours and friends who have children at school. Get in touch with head teachers and ask for a copy of the school's prospectus. This is a free booklet that will tell you most of the things you need to know about the school.
Head teachers will be happy to let you have a look around their schools and ask questions. It helps everyone if you arrange an appointment to do this.
If my child has special educational needs, how will this affect my application?
If your child has special educational needs this does not affect you obtaining a place at your preferred school you just follow the same procedure when applying for a nursery place, places can not be refused because of a child having Special Educational Needs. In certain circumstances when a child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs this can state that the child should attend a particular school as a result of their SEN, this should be adhered to. You can find out more by clicking on special educational needs.
How are Nursery school places allocated?
If a school has more places available than applications then all the applicants will be successful, however, if there are more applications than a school has places the nursery admissions criteria will be used to decide who gets the available places. All Community schools have the same admission criteria which is set by the LA.
Voluntary Aided schools may have different admissions criteria, to view each individual school's criteria see Salford's primary admission booklet.
If your preferred school does not have places available you can either leave your child's name on the waiting list at your preferred school in case a place becomes available, or choose another school with places available. If you do this your child's name can still remain on the waiting list at your preferred choice of school.
Please note nursery places are normally allocated on a full time basis although some schools may decide, subject to the number of applications, to offer all part time places or a mix of part time and full time places. Parents/carers will be notified should this be the case.
Some schools prefer nursery pupils to commence on reduced hours building up their time as they settle in. The schools concerned will advise parents/carers of this procedure when providing details of admission arrangements.
How will I know if I have been offered a nursery place for my child
You will be informed of the decision by letter which will be sent from this office on the 10 April 2009.You will normally be given at least seven days to confirm with the LA whether you intend to accept the offer. If you do not respond within the timescale the place may be given to another child.
Can I appeal if I do not get the school I want?
Unfortunately there is no right of appeal if you have been refused a nursery place at the school of your choice. This is because nursery provision is non statutory.
What happens if I apply for a place after the allocation date?
If you require a nursery place after the allocation date of the 10 April 2009, you will still need to complete an application form as soon as possible. If your preferred school does not have places available you can either leave your child's name on the waiting list at your preferred school in case a place becomes available or choose another school with places available. If you do this your child's name can still remain on the waiting list at your preferred choice school.
Should your application for a nursery place at your preferred school(s) be refused, you are entitled to place you child's name on a waiting lists. During the period 10 April 2009 to 31 August 2009 the LA will hold the waiting list for Community and Voluntary Controlled School's. Should places become available during this time the admission criteria will be applied and places offered on this basis. From the 1 September 2009 parent/carers should contact the schools directly to place their child on a waiting list, the schools will then allocate places should any become available.
If you wish to apply for a nursery school place for your child you can now apply for a place online using our interactive form.
The form will guide you through the process so that you only need to fill in the sections that apply to your application. Before you submit your application you will have chance to review your entries and go back and make any changes before agreeing to a declaration that all the information you have provided is correct.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you have any further queries or require additional information, please contact the Admissions and Exclusions Team on 0161 778 0415/0467
Admissions and Exclusions Team
Minerva House
Pendlebury
Road
Swinton
Salford
M27 4EQ
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This page was last updated on 30 October 2008
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