Nursery school places
Local Authority nursery schools and classes
The LEA nurseries cater for children from approximately three years three months to school age. Each school has its own admission policy, and you should contact them directly to discuss this.
A trained teacher and a qualified nursery officer staff each nursery class. Nursery education is generally part-time i.e. 2 ½ hours in the morning or in the afternoon during term time only.
Occasionally full time places may be available at the discretion of the Headteacher and the Governors.
Good for
… Care that is 100% reliable - even if a member of staff if away ill, your childcare will continue. Continuity of care - your child could stay at the same nursery until they start schoolNot so good
… If you have work commitments that don't fit around the hours or school term. There is little flexibility. You want your child to have a home environment.What to look for in a group
The following guidance will help you think about what you should be looking for in Registered groups:
What are the Registration Requirements, and what can you expect?
- You should ask to see the Registration Certificate (which gives details of the maximum number of children that can be cared for, staff ratios etc.)and the last inspection report
- The minimum adult:child staffing ratios are as follows: 1:3 for children under 2 years 1:4 for children aged 2 years 1:8 for children aged 3 - 7 years There should be at least two staff on duty at all times
- In all groups you will be expected to provide details about your child, like health problems or special dietary needs
- To spend some time settling your child into the group, so they feel secure, and know you are coming back!
- All groups must hold Employers and Public Liability Insurance and a current cover note should be displayed on the premises
- Usually groups have information leaflets about policies on health and safety, complaints, fees etc.
Contact us
We are open:
- 9.00am - 5.15pm Monday to Thursday
- 9.00am - 5.00pm on Friday
during this time, and an answerphone operates outside these times.
Freephone: 0800 389 8312
Minicom: 020 8361 6401
Fax: 0870 889 6798
E-mail: childrens.info@barnet.gov.uk
OR access information about local providers by looking at the ChildcareLink internet site.
Children, young people and families
