Little Acorns Admissions
Welcome to Little Acorns! We want every child and family to feel welcome, valued and supported as they begin their early years journey with us.
Our admissions process is designed to be open, fair and inclusive, helping us provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, play and grow.
26 children maximum per session
Admissions in September & January
Joining Little Acorns
We welcome applications from families in our community and aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Children can join from the term following their second birthday.Minimum attendance
Children must attend at least two sessions across two separate days.When to apply
Online applications are accepted once your child is 18 months old.Individual care
We consider each child's individual needs to help ensure their safety and well being.
When can my child start?
We have two main admissions intakes each academic year: September and January.
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September intake: Places are allocated and families informed from the beginning of the preceding Summer Term.
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January intake: Places are allocated as part of our January admissions intake.
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Summer Term: We are unable to reserve places exclusively for children wishing to start in the Summer Term.
All sessions have a maximum capacity of 26 children, and we strictly follow the required child-to-adult ratios to help maintain a safe, supportive environment.
How to apply: your four steps
We look forward to meeting you and your little one. Here’s what happens next.
1 Come and visit us
2 Complete the online application
3 Wait for confirmation
4 Get ready to join
Our admissions criteria
We aim to give all families fair and transparent consideration. If we receive more applications than we have places available, applications will be prioritised in the following order:
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Looked-after children and previously looked-after children.
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Children with a sibling attending Poulner Infant School and Nursery.
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Children of eligible staff members who have been employed at Poulner Infant School and Nursery for two years or more at the time of application.
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Children living within the school's catchment area.
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Children living outside the school's catchment area.
All places are allocated at the discretion of Little Acorns, within the framework of these published criteria.
We are committed to supporting children's individual needs and helping every child feel safe, included and ready to learn.
We work in line with our Local Offer and SEND Policy and endeavour to meet the additional needs of all children. Before an application is processed, a visit allows us to understand your child's individual circumstances and consider whether we can provide the care and support they need.
If we determine that we cannot safely and effectively meet a child's needs, we will support their family in exploring suitable alternative provision. Your child's wellbeing and safety will always remain our priority.
What if there isn't a place available?
If all our places are full, don't lose hope. We maintain a waiting list and may be able to offer a place if a space becomes available during the academic year.
Places are allocated in the following order:
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Priority is given to children who already attend Little Acorns.
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Remaining places are allocated in accordance with our admissions criteria.
We understand how important it is to find the right early years setting for your child and appreciate your patience while you wait.
Thinking ahead to school?
Little Acorns is a wonderful place to begin your child's early learning journey. However, attending Little Acorns does not guarantee a place in Year R (Reception) at Poulner Infant School and Nursery.
Applications for Year R are considered separately under the school's own admissions policy and criteria.
We'd love to meet you!
Choosing a pre-school is a big step for every family. We warmly invite you to visit Little Acorns, explore our setting and discover whether we're the right fit for your child.
Email adminoffice@poulner-inf.hants.sch.uk or call 01425 472338