At our showaround events (held every other Friday as to not disturb children’s play and learning) we are often asked the same questions:
How can I have the best chance of getting a place here at Polka Dot Farm?
How long is your waiting list?
Truth is, our waiting list is long. But to answer the “how long?” question is quite difficult. For example, there may be 50 families who registered before you, making you 51st on the waiting list, but if all those families require Tuesdays Wednesday and Thursdays and you require a Monday and a Friday, then essentially you will be 1st if a Monday and Friday come up!
The best time to secure a place in our nursery is July/August/September. That is because our oldest children head off to school and places start to become available during those summer months as parents take their children out of nursery for a few weeks holiday before starting school, or give us adequate notice of their leaving date once their school place is confirmed in April. We can plan these place allocations in advance and offer them to parents on our waiting list.
We have the one big intake every year, when the school leavers head off to school, making the summer the best possible time to require a nursery start date.
During the year, we operate at capacity, meaning that we only know spaces will come available as parents tender their four weeks notice. This does happen – parents change jobs and their childcare needs change. New babies arrive and parents reduce their days (sometimes) for their older child. Parents move out of the area and no longer need their space. These spaces are will be offered out as soon as we hear that they will be freed up. We cannot predict when that might be.
Stay in touch with us – let us know of your flexibility in days and start times. Send us emails updating us with your “back to work” meetings and call in too – the more you stay in touch with us, the better updated you will be about your waiting list space.
