Application and Booking Process

The application form can be accessed and submitted via the website. Please note due to the high volume of applications received we are unable to acknowledge receipt of individual forms.

Parents can complete the online application form at any time and submit it to the Pre-school where each applicant will be added to the relevant waiting list. Waiting list 1 for staff and students of Lancaster University, and waiting list 2 for community users - applicants with no affiliation with Lancaster University.

Priority is given to staff and students working or attending the University but community users are welcomed and will be given places where possible.

Matters that are taken in to account in deciding when a child can be allocated a place are:

  • The status of the parent: staff and students working/attending Lancaster University have a priority of places where there is availability.
  • The date of application.
  • The availability of spaces within the age group/ratio required.
  • Children who are siblings of those already in attendance at the Pre-School Centre.
  • The registration requirements.
  • The Pre-School’s ability to provide the facilities for the welfare of the child.
  • Legal circumstances affecting the child’s welfare or his/her family.

Successful applicants will be issued with a booking form the term prior to the preferred start date. Booking forms will be issued initially to those applicants on waiting list 1 only. In the event of further availability, following the allocation of places to waiting list 1 applicants, booking forms will be issued to applicants on waiting list 2.

You will contacted by telephone or email to advise if we are able to meet your requirements for childcare as indicated on the booking form. In the event that we are unable to match your exact requirements, we will discuss with you all available alternatives.

Upon allocation and acceptance of a place at the Pre-School Centre and prior to your start date, you will receive through the post your welcome pack. This pack will contain information relating to your child’s key person other relevant information and consent forms. Please read and sign all appropriate forms returning to the Centre on your child’s first settling in session.

Important notice: Due to COVID-19, visits to the Pre-School are currently unavailable. Instead, please take the time to view our virtual tour.

The Pre-School do not offer visits to the Centre as a matter of course. Under normal circumstances, visits could be booked by contacting the Centre on 01524 594464. Please note: settling in sessions are usually offered to all successful applicants as part of the childs induction process.

The transition between home and Pre-School normally requires a period of adjustment for children and parents. The process of separation between child and parent during the day needs to be both structured and flexible, and to take account of the needs of each individual child.

To ensure a smooth settling-in period you will be contacted prior to your start date to arrange dates and times for settling in sessions. A minimum of 2 settling in sessions will be booked as a starting point; the number offered can be increased depending upon the needs of the individual child.

The settling-in sessions, helps the child to adjust gradually to the new environment, the Pre-School staff and other children. During the settling in sessions, parents must remain in the Centre.

We are happy to help

Should you encounter any problems during your application, please feel free to contact us and we will endeavour to help you through the process.

Session Times and Dates