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Original poster

To think DD should get place at nursery over children deferring reception?

82 replies

Matronic6 · 03/07/2025 17:44

DD has been at a nursery part time since she turned 1. In March we asked about going full time in August for nursery room and were told it would be 'no problem' as so many were leaving for reception and we had asked so early.
We emailed to confirm we had a place for August, and they said it'd be mid August.

I confirmed with my work that I will go back full time in August. I previously phoned nursery in early May to confirm she had a full time spot to commit to my employer. The only thing is it was verbal, I have gone through emails and at no point have they said 'DD has a place starting August xx'

We have just got an email asking if we were still interested in a full time place. We were confused but replied yes we still needed the full time slot. They have since replied that due to high numbers of children deferring reception and a lot of requests for FT there is less places in nursery and they could not confirm a place at this time but will update us.

AIBU to think that this is firstly really unprofessional and secondly DS should be prioritised for a place over children who said they were leaving but are now deferring reception entry?

OP posts:
Samas · 03/07/2025 17:55

How do the deferred kids get an advantage? They just skip reception and join their normal cohort in year 1

Original poster
Matronic6 · 03/07/2025 17:55

Bitzee · 03/07/2025 17:49

I doubt the parents of the kids deferring actually gave notice then rescinded it. More likely the nursery made a presumption they’d be leaving for school in September, because that is the usually done thing, and that they would have spaces as a result and it’s only just come to light now because the notice hasn’t been given as expected. You can’t seriously expect the kids to get kicked out though to make room for your DD to go full time, annoying as it is!

I know for a fact one child has confirmed they were going and had even gone to a welcome day at new school but parent has changed their mind as they didn't like it on the day. And another had also given notice as they were meant to be moving but this is now no longer happening.

I should make clear, my issue is that they were both part time but now want full time as well. So I am not saying we should get their place rather we should get the full time place we were initially confirmed as having?

OP posts:
Coconutter24 · 03/07/2025 17:55

Is your DD already in the nursery room?

Namechangerage · 03/07/2025 17:53

I think the whole deferring places trend is a bit ridiculous. Many (not all) parents are misusing it to give their kid some kind of advantage.

Meanwhile, my August 2021 kid could be starting school with a May 2020 kid this year. Almost 18 months older?! I feel my kid is fine with starting school but it does seem to mess up the system somewhat, and more and more people are doing it.

Ihatelittlefriendsusan · 03/07/2025 17:53

Assuming it's a private nursery you are paying for then there is no hierarchy as to who gets a place.

The onus was on you to ensure you had confirmation in writing unfortunately.

Have they advised you when you will know?

Bitzee · 03/07/2025 17:49

I doubt the parents of the kids deferring actually gave notice then rescinded it. More likely the nursery made a presumption they’d be leaving for school in September, because that is the usually done thing, and that they would have spaces as a result and it’s only just come to light now because the notice hasn’t been given as expected. You can’t seriously expect the kids to get kicked out though to make room for your DD to go full time, annoying as it is!

Samas · 03/07/2025 17:48

Why should she be prioritised?

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