Our Nursery

Admissions policy

Admissions Policy

Number of Places

There are 112 childcare places in Our Lady’s Nursery (64 full-time preschool places, 12 part-time Baby places, 12 part-time toddler places and 24 part-time ECCE free preschool places).

Application Process

Applications for places will be accepted in accordance with the following criteria:

  • Child must be referred from TUSLA/HSE.
  • Children aged between 3 months and school age
  • Parents living in the Ballymun Area
  • Parents must complete the Nursery’s admission form  in full
  • Other applications to be determined  by the board

Child Selection Process

Referral Team: Tusla, Child and Family Services/ HSE Public Health Nurse and the Childcare Manager

Priority of Places

Priority for allocation of childcare places will be given to:

Ø Referrals from TUSLA of families living in the Ballymun area.

Ø Siblings of children currently in the Nursery

Ø Children who fit the age limit for the ECCE room (free preschool year)

Our Lady’s Nursery can cater for children with additional needs, if services are made available to support them throughout their time in the nursery.

Admission Procedures   

  • All applications will be dealt with by the referral team and places allocated accordingly.
  • When a parent/guardian is sure that their child fulfils the criteria for enrollment they may begin the enrollment process.  Each parent/guardian must complete an application form, and discuss with supervisor if there are any fears, allergies or medical history that needs to be brought to our attention.
  • Where a child has specific needs, the nursery may require Special Needs Services prior to the child being admitted to the nursery.
  • All parents will be notified by the end of April and given 2 weeks to accept place. Failure to reply will result in place being given to another child. All parents taking up places for their children must abide by the rules, failure to do so could result in loss of place.
  • Children referred by P.H.N, social workers, speech therapists, Mater child guidance or other professionals receive priority admittance to the nursery.
  • We operate a waiting list service and future parents will be notified in advance of available nursery places
  • The nursery operates an open door policy especially during the settling in period. The child will stay for a shorter day until teacher and parent agree the child has settled in. 
  • Our Lady’s Nursery offers a one year free pre-school place for children eligible for the scheme. Children outside this age range can avail of a place based on parents paying the appropriate fee.
  • In the event of places being oversubscribed admissions will be at the discretion of the selection committee.
  • A refundable deposit of two weeks childcare fees will be required within one week of confirmation of child’s place. This will be refundable on two weeks’ notice of child leaving the nursery. Failure to give the required two weeks’ notice will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
  • All details of a child’s application form must be completed and any relevant information or specific diet or health requirements must be noted.
  • We reserve the right to refuse admission

Ø  We reserve the right to terminate our services

Ø  Parents should familiarise themselves with our policies and procedures; they will be reviewed and updated accordingly to incorporate any new developments from the Health Services Executive

All relevant forms are to be completed on admission:

  1. Child Registration Form
  2. Parent/Guardian Agreement
  3. Authorisation for medical treatment form
  4. Authorisation to administer Anti-Febrile Medication (Calpol)
  5. Permission for outing
  6. Permission for photograph/video 
  7. Authorised persons to collect child details.