.mpolicy-signature .mpolicy-signature-name{color:#E74C25;font-weight:700}
Admissions Policy
ME Montessori Nursery and Pre-School
Bedgrove Community Centre, Bedgrove Park, Ambleside, Aylesbury, HP21 9TT
| Version | 1.0 |
| Date | May 2026 |
| Review Date | May 2027 |
| Policy Owner | Francesco Antonazzo FCIPD |
| Statutory Reference | EYFS Statutory Framework (September 2025 revision); Childcare Act 2006; Equality Act 2010; Education Act 2002 |
1. Purpose and Scope
This policy explains how ME Montessori Nursery and Pre-School allocates places, manages its waiting list, and supports families through the enrolment process. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive admissions process that prioritises the best interests of children and families.
This policy applies to all applicants for a place at ME Montessori, whether fee-paying, funded, or a combination of both.
2. Age Range
ME Montessori accepts children from 3 months to 5 years. Children transition to school at the end of the academic year in which they turn five, in line with statutory school starting age.
We welcome children at any point during the year, subject to place availability. We do not operate a September-only start.
3. Sessions and Hours
The nursery operates Monday to Friday, all year round from 8:00am to 4:30pm (Monday to Wednesday; 12:30pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and the first Wednesday of each month).
Details of available session options and current fees are available from the Manager or on the nursery’s website at memontessorinurseryandpreschool.com.
4. Place Allocation — Priority Criteria
When applications are received and places are limited, the following priority order is applied:
Priority 1 — Children subject to a Local Authority or statutory referral
Children referred to the setting by Buckinghamshire Council, social services, the SEND team, or a health professional where a place has been identified as meeting a child protection, welfare, or SEND need.
Priority 2 — Siblings of children currently enrolled
A sibling is defined as a child sharing at least one parent or legal guardian with a child already attending ME Montessori.
Priority 3 — Children of current staff members
Children of staff employed at ME Montessori are given priority consideration, in recognition of the operational benefits of staff having access to on-site childcare.
Priority 4 — Date of registration
Within each priority group, and where two or more families have equal priority, places are allocated by date of registration on the waiting list, with the earliest registration receiving first priority.
4.1 The nursery does not operate any additional selection criteria based on religion, nationality, parental occupation, or ability.
4.2 We are committed to inclusion. We actively welcome children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Priority 1 above reflects this commitment. We work with families, SENCOs, and specialist agencies to ensure every child’s needs can be met effectively.
5. Equality and Non-Discrimination Statement
ME Montessori Nursery and Pre-School will not discriminate against any child or family on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, as set out in the Equality Act 2010.
We welcome children and families from all backgrounds, cultures, languages, and family structures. Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy sets out our full commitment to equal treatment.
6. How to Apply — The Registration Process
6.1 Parents wishing to register their child must complete a Registration of Interest Form, available:
– From the nursery office at Bedgrove Community Centre
– Via the nursery’s website at https://memontessorinurseryandpreschool.com
– By emailing [email protected]
6.2 Completion of a Registration of Interest Form places the child on the waiting list. It does not guarantee a place.
6.3 On receipt of the form, the nursery will acknowledge the registration within five working days and confirm the child’s position on the waiting list.
6.4 When a place becomes available, the nursery will contact the family at the top of the relevant priority group by phone and in writing (email). The family will be given five working days to confirm acceptance of the place. If no response is received, the place may be offered to the next family on the list.
6.5 On acceptance of a place, the family completes a full Enrolment Pack, which includes:
– Child information and emergency contacts
– Medical and dietary information
– Medication consent
– Photography and media consent
– Funding eligibility declaration
– Terms and Conditions
7. Deposit
7.1 A non-refundable deposit of £85 (equivalent to one week’s fees) is payable on acceptance of a place. This is deducted from the first invoice.
7.2 The deposit is forfeited if the family cancels the place after acceptance. See the Fees, Refunds, and Non-Payment Policy for full details.
8. Waiting List Management
8.1 The waiting list is maintained by the Manager and reviewed monthly.
8.2 Families on the waiting list will be contacted at least every six months to confirm their continued interest. If no response is received within ten working days, the child may be removed from the list.
8.3 Families may request their waiting list position at any time by contacting the nursery.
8.4 The waiting list is not published publicly. Priority position is determined by the criteria in section 4.
9. Government-Funded Hours
ME Montessori participates in the following funded childcare entitlements, subject to eligibility:
15 Hours Universal Entitlement:
Available to all children in England from the term following their third birthday. Provides 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).
30 Hours Extended Entitlement:
Available to eligible working families from the term following their child’s third birthday. Eligibility is determined via the government’s childcare service at childcare.service.gov.uk.
9 Months to 4 Years Funded Hours (from September 2024):
Under the expanded offer phased in from 2024, eligible working families may access funded hours from the term after their child turns 9 months. The nursery participates in this scheme subject to Buckinghamshire Council allocation.
9.1 Families wishing to claim funded hours must provide their eligibility code to the nursery before the start of the term in which they wish funding to commence.
9.2 Funded hours cover the core session. Additional charges may apply for meals, consumables, and any hours beyond the funded entitlement. These additional charges are set out in the nursery’s fee schedule and Fees Policy.
9.3 The nursery does not make claiming a funded place conditional on purchasing additional hours. However, families are welcome to purchase additional hours at the standard rate.
10. Settling-In Process
10.1 We believe every child deserves time to feel safe, comfortable, and secure before their full attendance begins. All new children receive a structured settling-in programme.
10.2 The settling-in process typically includes:
– An initial visit to the nursery with their parent/carer to meet their key worker and explore the environment
– One or more short sessions (initially 30–60 minutes) with the parent remaining nearby
– Gradual increase in session length as the child builds confidence
10.3 Settling-in sessions are included in the child’s package. The timeline is agreed individually with each family and is flexible to the child’s needs.
10.4 The key worker takes a lead role during settling-in, building the primary relationship with the child and their family from the outset.
11. Registration Cancellation and Withdrawal
11.1 If a family wishes to cancel a registration before the child’s start date, they must notify the Manager in writing.
11.2 The deposit (section 7) is non-refundable.
11.3 If a place has been offered, accepted, and then cancelled, the nursery reserves the right to offer the place to another family without further notice.
11.4 Families wishing to withdraw a child after attendance has commenced should refer to the notice period requirements in the Fees, Refunds, and Non-Payment Policy.
12. Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Policy Owner, or sooner following any change in funding entitlements, Ofsted guidance, or equality legislation.
Signed: Kellie Antonazzo, Manager