Admissions

At each of our nurseries we have space for up to 25 children between the ages of 2-5 years and when considering admissions, we are mindful of the staff: child ratios and the facilities available at the nursery.

Criteria:

When a parent or caregiver enquires about a nursery place for their child we use the following admission criteria, which is applied in the following order of priority, based on the spaces available:

1. Children who have siblings who are already with us.
2. Children placed first on the waiting list.
3. Local area priority.
4. A child known by the local authority to have special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND) and   whose needs can be met.
5. A vulnerable child with either a Child Protection or a Child in Need Plan, or in receipt of other local authority support.

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. 

Octagon is a childcare provider eligible to offer government funded places for early learning sessions within the Borough of Camden; we have 15 free funded places for children ages 2-5 subject to availability and funding criteria. 

These places will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis and can be booked a term in advance. Please note for admissions for the free nursery education we have a termly intake, beginning the term following your child’s third birthday.

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. 

Data Collection:

Prior to a child attending nursery, parents must complete and sign a contract and registration form. These forms provide the nursery with personal details and comprehensive information relating to the child, covering identification, safety, medical and dietary information, attendance requirements, fees and emergency contacts. Collection and retention of this information is covered under our Privacy Policy.