This might be a stupid question, but (waiting list question)

[Thisnameistaken]

We have applied to two nurseries (part of state schools.) Our preferred one has put us on the waiting list. The second one has offered us a place. If we accept the second one, will we still be able to accept the first one if a place becomes available?

I think you’ll need to ask them. Nursery admissions are separate from the schools usually AFAIK so I would have thought they have their own policy on that.

Do have a look at the contract/T&Cs. Our nursery/school has a policy of a term's notice to withdraw the child. At the point of acceptance of an offer, we also pay a deposit so I guess that might be forfeit also?

Therefore, for us, if we wanted to start our daughter at a new nursery in September, I'd need to give the current nursery notice by the first day of the summer term.

I imagine once an offer is accepted/deposit paid, you're effectively 'in' the nursery so their standard notice period applies?

MustBe that sounds more like a private nursery than a school one though. Which is what I think OP is asking about.

yes, there is no deposit as it's part of a state school. Will our preferred nursery know if we accept this place? Doesn't say anything in their T&C

Both would be from September when she is 3.. we are no 5 on the waiting list of the first one so really hoping for that one as that's where we are also hoping she will go to school. It's far closer to us then the other one.

I don’t think the other nursery will know. As long as they’re managing their own admissions then there’s no reason for them to share info with other nurseries I don’t think? We accepted a place at a school nursery for our DS and then changed our minds (kept him at the private one he was already at instead) - I just emailed to let them know and there was nothing more to it.

Thanks Origamoo, that makes sense. They are part of the same council so thought that might change things - but I think we will just accept the offer and keep fingers crossed for our first choice.

Nursery education isn't compulsory and admissions are managed locally by each school, usually. There i's no reason for one nursery to know who is attending the other. However free childcare hours are claimed on a termly basis by nurseries from the LA so if you are claiming them and tell the nursery you want to claim all the hours with them, you will have to pay at the other nursery should you move her mid term. That's how it works in our area.

Ah I hadn’t thought about the free hours, that’s s good point Chermatt

Charmatt

OP: I would ask your first choice nursery what their waiting list policy is and tell them you would like to stay on it.