Early years admissions policy (Feb 2021)

We use the admissions policy when considering the allocation of Early Learning and Childcare places. This sets the priorities for the allocation of places based on the child's needs. 

This admissions policy was approved in February 2021.

Children aged 0-3 years

Priority 1
Children affected by abuse
Children with additional support needs
Looked after and accommodated children from birth up to 2 years old
Children who at any time from the age of 2 years have been
(a) looked after and accommodated; or
(b) subject to a Kinship Care Order
Children affected by domestic violence
Children affected by substance misuse
Children affected by a disability within the home
All applications within Priority 1 must be substantiated by a wellbeing assessment / single agency assessment
*2 year olds as required by relevant legislation from time to time applying

Priority 2
New applications: 0-3 year olds

Priority 3
Transfer applications: change in circumstances

Priority 4
Transfer applications: parental choice

Priority 5
All children resident outwith South Lanarkshire Council but are within a catchment area of a primary school within the Council area

Priority 6

All children resident outwith South Lanarkshire Council area

Children aged 3-5 years

Priority 1 

Children affected by abuse
Children with additional support needs
Children who at any time have been
a) Looked after and accommodated; or
b) subject to a Kinship Care Order
Children affected by domestic violence
Children affected by substance misuse
Children affected by a disability within the home
All applications within Priority 1 must be substantiated by a wellbeing assessment / single agency assessment

Additional hours

Please note that additional hours will be offered after Priority 1 to 5 have all been allocated.

The allocation of any place within an Early Learning and Childcare establishment must be allocated using the following policy:

Please note:

• Priorities 1-5 are children who are resident within the South Lanarkshire Council area and those children who are catchment pupils for a South Lanarkshire Council primary school

• All children (non-SLC primary school catchment children) residing outwith the Council no matter the circumstances are considered Priority 6

• Eligible children will have access to Early Learning and Childcare regardless of age, gender, race, religion or need

• Early Learning and Childcare will be provided on a non-denominational basis

• Securing a place in a school nursery class does not guarantee a primary school place within the same primary school

• Children deferring entry from Primary 1 (January and February birthdays) are considered as returning children by the Council

• Children deferring entry from Primary 1 (August to December birthdays) who have been approved for a deferred year of funding are considered as returning children by the Council

• Additional hours are only considered once all eligible children have been allocated their entitlement

• Transfer applications, no matter when received, will only be applicable within one academic year

• Siblings and multiple birth families will be offered the same pattern of attendance/session within the same nursery.

• All applications from parents for Cross Border funding will be considered by the Cross Border Funding Protocol Admissions Group

• Blended models must be agreed between two providers