Parents will be able to apply for a place with up to two nursery providers at both schools and PVI settings through a new application and online mapping system.
They will be able to state a preferred provider and also apply for a combination of two different providers for a flexible offer. Parents will be able to see online when providers offer them a place and accept it online.
Richard Thrake, executive member for Education and Skills, said, 'We took the view that it would make it easier for community nurseries and nurseries overall to move to the online system.' He added that the new system would help the local authority to find out if they are commissioning enough places.
Toni Finkel, who runs Rexton House Nursery School in Radlett, said it was difficult to register reliable vacancy figures for September in February.
'The deadline for applications is 1 April and the Spring term ends on 8 April. Many parents will not give notice until they return on 26 April as they may not have been allocated school places before we break up. Numbers still change due to appeals and places not being taken up.'
She added, 'However, speaking to another provider, they have found it useful. Their oldest children all leave so they know exactly how many vacancies they have.'
Further information
