Preschool Admissions

Admissions

We understand how difficult a decision it is to leave your child in the care of others. That is why at Hormead Hedgehogs, we aim to to offer our community an exciting, safe environment where we can care for your child. We are a team of dedicated, fully qualified professionals who have a strong focus on nurturing every child in our care, so they can develop in a happy and secure setting. 

Our Preschool is for children aged 2 to 4 years old and is situated in the grounds of Hormead First School, less than 2 miles from Buntingford. It is our intention to make our setting accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community. We aim to ensure that the whole community has access to the setting through open, fair and clearly communicated procedures. 

We warmly invite all potential applicants to visit the Preschool with your child and experience the setting first hand.  Please contact the Office from 8.30am – 3.00pm to arrange an appointment to visit.

When can my child start at Preschool/Nursery/Reception?

Please check your child's Date of Birth against our table to see when they start each setting.

The Admissions Process – FAQs

Q: How do I register my interest in my child starting at Preschool?

A:  Parents are invited to complete a 'Register of Interest' form to add their child’s details to our waiting list. Click here to download the form and email/ post it or pop into the School Office.

Q: At what age can my child start?

A: If there are spaces available we accept children from the age of 2.

Q: When will I know if we have a place?

A: If you have completed a 'Register of Interest' form, then, when a space becomes available for your child we will contact you to discuss the sessions that may be suitable.  

Q: Is it first come first served?

A: Our Admissions Procedure is determined according to the fairest methods possible. Therefore, we consult with parents in order of their child’s birthdate starting with those children who have turned 3 and work backwards.  

Q: My child has been offered a place

From the date that the offer is made, you will have a maximum of 5 working days to decide whether to accept the place on the requested start date. If acceptance of the place is not confirmed within 5 working days of the date when the offer is made, we will assume you no longer require a place for your child and they will be taken off our list.  

If the parent/carer requests for a later start date, then the child will be placed on a waiting list and their place may be offered to another child.

Q: I have confirmed that my child will be starting Preschool. What now?

A:  When we confirm the starting date and the sessions that your child has been allocated, we will send you an Admissions Pack. This contains crucial documents for you to complete regarding your child’s needs within the setting. It is important for you to complete and return this pack as soon as possible, ideally before the start of term, to ensure your child has everything they need.  At the same time, we will arrange a home visit at the start of term and you and your child will be invited to a 'Stay and Play' session.

Q: What’s a Home Visit?

A: At the beginning of the term when your child starts Preschool, two of our Early Years Practitioners will arrange to visit you and your child at home. This helps your child familiarise themselves with members of the team in a comfortable environment. It also enables the team to learn as much as possible about your child in their familiar, comfortable environment to help with the settling in process at Preschool.

Q: What if my child isn’t settling?

A:  Each child is allocated a Keyworker from amongst the Early Years Practitioners.  This keyworker will pay particular attention to your child’s needs as they settle into Preschool and will be your first contact should you or they have any questions or concerns.  You are always welcome to stay with your child as long as they need to ensure they are happy and secure. We will always contact you if your child is not settling happily or is in any distress. You can speak to your child's Keyworker or any member of staff about any questions or concerns you may have at any time.

If you would like to place your child on the waiting list, please fill in the form below.