Our approach

Millfield Montessori is committed to providing a calm, nurturing, and well-structured early years environment where children can learn, explore, and develop confidently.

To support this environment, the setting organises its provision around consistent routines, stable staffing ratios, and structured daily sessions. This helps children settle well, participate fully in activities, and benefit from uninterrupted learning opportunities.

Admissions are therefore managed in a way that supports the overall wellbeing of the children and the safe and efficient operation of the setting.

 

Age groups

Millfield Montessori accepts children from birth to 5 years, subject to available spaces. Holiday care may also be offered to children above 5 years, subject to availability.

 

Session structure

• Morning Session: 7:00am – 1:00pm

• School Day: 9:00am – 3:00pm

• Afternoon Session: 1:00pm – 6:00pm

• Full Day: 7:00am – 6:00pm

Attendance within structured sessions supports consistent, uninterrupted learning cycles, organised mealtimes and rest periods, and a calm and predictable environment for the children.

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Attendance patterns

When allocating places, the setting aims to provide childcare arrangements that support continuity and stability for children and staff.

• support consistent weekly routines

• align with the session structure of the setting

• allow children to participate fully in daily activities

Shorter or irregular attendance patterns may occasionally be limited depending on availability and operational requirements.

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Government-funded childcare

Millfield Montessori offers places for children accessing government-funded early education and childcare, subject to eligibility, Local Authority requirements, availability, and the setting’s delivery model.

• universal funded hours for eligible children

• extended funded hours for eligible working families

• other funded childcare schemes introduced by Government

Funded hours are applied in accordance with Local Authority rules and eligibility requirements. Access to a funded place is not conditional on parents purchasing meals, consumables, or optional additional services.

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Allocation of places

Places are allocated based on:

• availability within the relevant age group

• staffing ratios and regulatory requirements

• session availability

• the ability to maintain a stable routine for children within the setting

Where demand exceeds availability, a waiting list is maintained.

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Waiting list

Families may request to be placed on our waiting list if suitable sessions are not currently available.

Places are offered as availability arises and in accordance with the operational needs of the setting. Being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee a future place.

 

Registration

To secure a place at Millfield Montessori, parents must:

• complete the registration form

• agree to the parent contract and relevant policies

• pay any applicable fees if not on government funding

Childcare can only commence once the necessary documentation and/or any required payments have been completed.

 

Settling-in

The setting offers settling-in sessions to help children become familiar with the environment and staff. The first settling-in session is free of charge. Additional settling-in sessions may be arranged where required.

 

Equal opportunities

Millfield Montessori is committed to providing an inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all families regardless of background. Admissions decisions are made fairly and in accordance with availability, regulatory requirements, and the operational needs of the setting.

 

Review

This policy may be reviewed periodically to ensure that the setting continues to operate safely, sustainably, and in the best interests of the children in its care.