We have approximately 26 places in any one session for 3 and 4 year old's (the exact number depends on the mix of sessions chosen by families). The admission policy is in line with Statutory Framework for the Early Years  and is administered by the pre-school and managed by the school’s governing body.

Please note that admission to the Pre-School does not guarantee admission to Hoddlesden St Paul's CE Primary School Reception Year. 

Main-Round Admissions

Applications for main-round admissions to the pre-school will open on 1 December and close 1 April the year before starting the pre-school the following September.  Children can join us in the term following their third birthday, subject to availability. There is a minimum of 2.5 days required if self funded. All funded hours allocation should be used at Pre-School for a minimum of 4 days per week. 

​​​​​​Admissions Panel will meet to review and process applications using the agreed criteria. Outcome letters will be delivered in Mid May before the half term break. 

In-Year Admission 

Pre-school will take new children, outside the September intake, at the beginning of term in January and April, subject to places being available. The Senior Leadership Team are unable to offer nursery visits and you are advised to visit the school on one of our official tours in the autumn term for more information. Pre-school has a Nursery Admissions and Attendance Administrator who can support you with queries regarding nursery admission. You can contact her at office@stpaulshoddlesden.blackburn.sch.uk

Admissions Criteria

Where applications for admission exceed the number of places available, the following criteria will be applied, in order of priority:

1. Children in Public Care – children taken into Public Care via section 20 or 38 of the Children’s Act. Looked after children or children who were previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, child arrangements order, or special guardianship order.
2. Where the child has a sibling currently attending Hoddlesden St Paul's CE Primary School and the sibling will still be in attendance at the applicant’s admission. Sibling refers to: brother or sister, half-brother of sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent/carer’s partner, and in every case, the child should be living in the same family unit at the same address
3. Children whose parents live within the parish boundary of Hoddlesden.
4. Staff members child* See the school's admission policy for definition
5. Proximity to school. The distance from home to school is measured by straight-line, from a point in the property to a point in the school determined by the grid references for the centre of the school’s postcode

Please note that once the main-round offers have been made, the admission criteria no longer applies to further round offers.

Application Packs

Are available from the school office. Please contact us on 01254 701940