Does Attending a School Nursery Increase Your Chances of Getting a Reception Place?

How Are Reception Places Allocated?

Every school must publish its admissions criteria, which explain how Reception places are allocated when there are more applications than places available.

Although criteria vary slightly between schools, they commonly include:

• Whether a child is looked after by a local authority.
• Whether the child has a sibling already attending the school.
• The distance between the child’s home and the school.
• Other criteria set out in the school’s admissions policy.

Parents should always check the admissions policy for their preferred schools and refer to official guidance when making decisions about school applications.

Importantly, a child’s current nursery or preschool is generally not one of the factors used when allocating Reception places.

Does Attending a School Nursery Improve Admission Chances?

To clarify this common concern, we contacted City of York Council.

The council confirmed that attending a particular nursery, or pre-school in York, does not guarantee a school place and that many parents understandably believe it may help, even though it is not generally used when allocating places.

This means families should carefully consider all aspects of their child’s early education when deciding whether to move settings before starting school.

For many children, remaining in a familiar environment with trusted adults and established friendships can be extremely beneficial during the year before school.

How Walmgate Supports School Transitions

Starting school is a major milestone, and our Preschool team works hard to ensure every child feels confident and prepared.

Throughout the year we provide a range of transition activities designed to support children moving on to primary school.

These include:

• Detailed transition records for every child.
• Teacher visits to meet children within the nursery environment.
• Discussions between teachers and children’s key persons.
• Additional transition meetings for children with additional needs.
• Collaboration with school SENCOs where appropriate.
• School role-play activities to help children become familiar with routines and expectations.

By working closely with schools and families, we help children move into Reception with confidence. Many of these activities form part of our wider approach to school readiness, helping children develop the confidence, independence and social skills they need before starting primary school.

You may also find our guide on preparing your child for starting school helpful.

Schools Our Children Move On To

Every year, children from Walmgate Day Nursery move successfully into a variety of local primary schools in York.

This year our preschool children will be moving on to schools including:

• Fishergate Primary School
• St George’s Catholic Primary School
• St Lawrence’s Church of England Primary School

Our focus is not on preparing children for one specific school. Instead, we prepare children with the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive wherever their educational journey takes them.

School Readiness Matters More Than Nursery Location

When preparing for school, it is natural to focus on applications and admissions. However, successful nursery to school transitions are built on much more than securing a place. When children start Reception, teachers are looking for much more than academic ability.

School readiness includes:

• Confidence and independence (in new situations).
• Communication skills.
• Ability to form friendships and social development.
• Emotional resilience.
• Independence with simple tasks
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

At Walmgate Day Nursery, these skills are developed every day through play, exploration and nurturing relationships within our Preschool Room, where children are encouraged to become confident, independent learners.