Statement of Intent

  It is our intention to make our pre-school accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community.

  Aim

  We aim to ensure that all sections of our community have access to the pre-school through open, fair and clearly communicated procedures.

  Methods

  In order to achieve this aim, we operate the following admissions policy:

1. We ensure that the existence of the pre-school is widely advertised in places accessible to all sections of the community.
2. We ensure that information about our pre-school is accessible - in written and spoken form - and, where appropriate, in different languages. Where necessary, we will try to provide information in Braille, or through signing or an interpreter.
3. We arrange our waiting list in birth order. In addition our policy may take into account the following:
• the vicinity of the home to the pre-school; and
• siblings already attending the pre-school.
4. We keep a place vacant, if this is financially viable, to accommodate an emergency admission.
5. We describe our pre-school and its practices in terms which make it clear that it welcomes both fathers and mothers, other relations and other carers, including childminders.
6. We describe our pre-school and its practices in terms of how it treats individuals, regardless of their gender, special educational needs, disabilities, background, religion, ethnicity or competence in spoken English.
7. We describe our pre-school and its practices in terms of how it enables children with disabilities to take part in the life of the pre-school.
8. We monitor the gender and ethnic background of children joining the group to ensure that no accidental discrimination is taking place.
9. We make our equal opportunities policy widely known.
10. We consult with families about the opening times of the pre-school to avoid excluding anyone.
11. We are flexible about attendance patterns to accommodate the needs of individual children and families.
12. Parents will be assured that staff are always happy to listen and help should any problems arise with their child and that any concerns will be dealt with confidentially.

  Pre-school staff and committee will ensure that parents/carers are aware that Sherington pre-school belongs to the parents and that they have something positive offer the group. Parents/carers will be encouraged to take an active part in their child's development and play.