Starting in Reception
Why? Nursery education is not statutory; it is a matter of choice. But by the time a child reaches the age of 5 they have to be in school – that is the law.
When? Children start in September if their 5th birthday falls between 1 September and 28 February. They start the following January if their 5th birthday is between 1 March and 31 August.
How? Applications for admissions to Reception classes in all Islington primary schools are dealt with centrally by CEA@Islington. Parents should fill in the application form in the back of the Islington Admissions booklet; this will be sent directly to you by CEA@Islington. (We have spare copies in the school office.)  Admissions can also be made online by following the link on the right hand side of this page.  Children at our Nursery do not automatically transfer to Reception. The form has to be filled in even if your child is already in our Nursery.

Come and have a look

We run two tours of the school per term and would be delighted to arrange for you to join one. We would also welcome the chance to show you around our Nursery. Please telephone the school office on 020 7607 4142 for details.

Guidelines for admission
If an Islington school receives more applications than they have places available, places are offered in the following order:

1)         Brothers and sisters of children already at the school

2)         Children living nearest to the school as measured over the nearest available walking route

 

As an exception, the Director of Education may give priority to an applicant where it can be shown, with expert support, that admission to a particular school on the grounds of medical, social or special education needs is necessary. This includes children in public care.

 

Appeals

If you are unhappy about an admission decision you can appeal, in writing, to an Independent Appeal Panel. For details, telephone 020 7525 5516

 

Moving from another school

If you wish to move your child to Drayton Park School from another school, please telephone the office to find out if a place is available and to arrange a visit. We will give you the form that you need to fill in and return to us.

 

Admission to the Nursery

Children are admitted to the Nursery in line with the Council’s Under-5s Admissions Policy. They are offered a part-time place in the term after they turn three, moving on to a full-time place when they are four. Places are offered first to children deemed to be ‘at risk’ or ‘in need’, then to children with special needs or family circumstances, followed by children who live close to the school. We also have to make sure that the age-range in the Nursery is balanced with a mix of full-time and part-time pupils.

To apply for a Nursery place you have to fill in form NA1, which we can give you. This has to be sent back to us. We will confirm an offer of a place by the beginning of the term before your child is due to start.

 

New parents’ meeting

Once places are confirmed, we invite all new parents of Nursery and Reception pupils to a meeting at school led by our headteacher. You will be able to see your child’s new classroom, meet their class teacher and buy school clothing and book folders, as well as asking all the questions you want to.

 

Home visit

The week before all new children start, we arrange for a short home visit from their class or Nursery teacher. This means that children and parents can meet the teacher on a one-to-one basis in familiar surroundings. We have found that this visit makes children feel more confident about starting with us.

 

New children’s tea party

All new Nursery and Reception children are invited to a tea party in their new classroom on the Friday before they start. This is an opportunity for children to meet their new classmates in their school surroundings, and lets them feel familiar with the school when they arrive for their first day.