Admissions

Application Process

No charge or deposit is required at any stage to secure your child a place at the Nursery or to keep them on the waiting list.

Step 1: Complete the Expression of Interest Form (CLICK HERE) so the Nursery Administrator can arrange a visit to our wonderful setting. Visits usually last around 20 minutes and need to be arranged in advance. Please contact the school office on 01865 241 476 or email office.3216@St-michaels-oxf.oxon.sch.uk if you need any further information.   

Step 2:  Once you have visited, you will be sent an application form which you should complete if you would like your child to join the Nursery. Application forms should ideally be completed a term before you wish your child to start:

o   For children starting in September, an application form should be completed between April and July.

o   For children starting in January, an application form should be completed between September and December.

o   For children starting in April, an application form should be completed between January and March.

Please note that completion of an application form does not guarantee your child a place. If we are able to offer a place, a formal written offer will be sent to you (see Step 4).

Step 3: Once we have received your completed application form, if a place is available, we will assign your child a key person, and our Nursery Administrator will be in touch to confirm a provisional offer and provide you with a date for a second visit. Your second visit will be led by your child’s key person, for approximately 30 minutes, and provide you with an opportunity to talk more about your child, inform us of any particular areas of concern, and help us get to know your child more.

Step 4: Once you have had your second visit, met with your child’s key person, and completed the remaining paperwork and ID checks, our Nursery Administrator will be able to formally offer you a place at The Catherine Wheel Nursery with an agreed start date.

Step 5: If your child is offered a place at The Catherine Wheel Nursery, you must confirm your acceptance within the specified date, or the offer may be revoked and the place offered to another child.

Our admissions policy is available by clicking here.

It is natural for children to feel nervous about starting a new setting and leaving their family (particularly if this is the first time they've attended Nursery or school). Our staff are very experienced and have seen hundreds of children start before, so rest assured your child is in safe hands. Your child can easily pick up on your emotions, so ensure you are always positive when talking about starting Nursery.

In our experience, the best way to help your child settle in is to make sure that they are as independent as possible. The most useful things that your child needs to be able to do are all very practical. For example, it is really helpful if your child can:

• Use a tissue to blow their nose

• Dress and undress themselves

• Wash and dry their hands themselves

• Put their coat on independently and, preferably, do it up

• Take themselves to the toilet (we work with families regarding toilet training)

• Manage their own personal hygiene

• Take off their shoes and put them back on again (please no laces, unless your child can manage these independently)

Most children settle into Nursery quickly and happily but don't worry if this is not the case for your child, as every child is different. If your child does not settle when you leave, we will always ring you to collect them if necessary. Please ensure that you keep your contact details up to date.