Policies and procedures:

Below is our admissions, attendance and absence policy. Any other policies will be available on request. 

 

Admissions, Attendance, and Absence Policy

1. Policy Statement

We are committed to providing a fair and transparent admissions process and to promoting regular attendance at our early years setting. Consistent attendance is vital for children's emotional security, development, and learning. We take a proactive approach to managing absences and work in partnership with families to promote children's well-being and safety.

2. Aims

• To ensure a clear and fair admissions process.

• To promote the regular and punctual attendance of all children.

• To monitor absence patterns and act on concerns promptly.

• To support safeguarding by maintaining accurate attendance records.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on:

• Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Sections 3.28, 3.73, 3.76

• Children Act 2004

• Equality Act 2010

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Keeping Children Safe in Education

4. Admissions Procedure

Eligibility

• We accept children from 3 months. 

• We welcome all children and families, regardless of background, religion, ability, or need, in line with our Equal Opportunities Policy and providing staff receive relevant training. 

Admissions Process

• Parents complete a registration form and provide key information (e.g., child’s date of birth, medical conditions, emergency contacts).

• A settling-in period is arranged prior to the child’s start date.

• Admission is offered based on availability, age group ratios, and funding eligibility.

• Priority may be given to siblings, funded places (e.g., 15/30 hours), or children with additional needs.

 

5. Attendance Expectations

• Regular attendance supports the child’s routine, development, and emotional well-being.

• Parents are expected to:

  • Bring children on time and collect them promptly.

  • Notify the setting as soon as possible if their child will be absent or late.

• Attendance is monitored daily using [insert system used, e.g., Famly, paper register].

6. Absence Procedures

Reporting Absence

• Parents must contact the setting by [insert time, e.g., 9:30am] on the first day of absence.

• Absence should be reported with a reason (e.g. illness, holiday, family emergency).

Sickness-Related Absence

• Children who are unwell should not attend (see Sickness Policy).

• 48-hour exclusion applies after vomiting or diarrhoea.

Holidays and Planned Absence

• Parents are requested to notify the setting in writing in advance of any planned absences.

• Extended absences may impact a child’s funded place or registration.

7. Unexplained or Persistent Absence

• Unreported or regular absences will be followed up promptly:

  1. Day 1 – Attempt to contact parent/carer via phone or message.

  2. Day 2-3 – Continued absence without contact is escalated internally.

  3. Day 5+ – If no contact or explanation is received, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) may conduct a welfare check or contact Children’s Services, in line with safeguarding procedures.

Absence concerns are recorded and monitored closely to identify patterns or safeguarding risks.

 

 

 

8. Lateness

• Children arriving late may miss important routines, activities, or snacks, which can affect their confidence.

• Frequent lateness will be addressed with parents sensitively, and support will be offered where needed.

9. Safeguarding and Non-Attendance

• Unexplained, prolonged, or frequent absence without reasonable explanation is considered a safeguarding concern.

• Where there is known or suspected risk (e.g. domestic abuse, neglect), non-attendance is escalated and recorded appropriately.

10. Funded Children and Attendance

• For children receiving Early Years Entitlement (15 or 30 hours):

  • Consistent attendance is required to maintain the funding.

  • Persistent absence may lead to the loss of funded hours or place.

  • Any changes to attendance must be discussed with management.

11. School collection 

We regularly collect from the following schools:

• Goodly Dale, 

• St. Cuthbert’s, 

• St. Mary’s, 

• Windermere Preparatory School

 

The introduction of 30 hours childcare for eligible 3-4 year olds in September 2017 requires a change to the settings admissions policy. Little Rascals shall continue to offer a collection from local nurseries at the required lunchtime collection, where your child can continue their free funding at the setting. We shall continue to collect children at 315 from school who are of reception and above age. If you child continues to remain within the setting moving into reception your child will automatically be offered an after school collection unless this is not required.

We are happy to collect your child from any of named nurseries above at 11.45-12.00 dependent on your chosen schools session times and school collection at 3.15

 

 

12. Data Protection

• All attendance and absence records are handled in accordance with our Confidentiality and GDPR Policy.

• Data is securely stored and used only for operational, safeguarding, or legal purposes.

13. Monitoring and Review

• This policy is reviewed annually or in response to updated EYFS or safeguarding guidance.

• Attendance is regularly reviewed to identify support needs or risks.

Contact Information

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Suzanne Ramsay, Derrian Jones and Katie Speight

• Manager/Admissions Lead: Suzanne Ramsay

• Phone/Email: 015394 44618 / littlerascalsdaycare01@gmail.com