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Time to sign up for Nursery

It's time for parents with children born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008 to think about applying for a nursery place.

The online nursery application system for 2011-12 opens on Monday February 21.

In an important change to last year's application process, Hertfordshire County Council is no longer coordinating the nursery admissions process, due to the increased flexibility and range of choices available.

For the first time parents will be able to use one system to apply for a place at a nursery school or class as well as a place at a private, voluntary or independent nursery, such as a pre-school or day nursery. The online system allows for local allocation of places and you can state which nursery you would most prefer and the days you would like your child to attend.

A leaflet, 'Applying for a nursery place' is being distributed to families across the county, which explains all you need to know about making an application on the new online system.

Visit www.hertsdirect.org/nurseryadmissions and follow the link. To find your nearest nursery use the easy online mapping facility - simply enter your postcode to find nurseries in your area.

The application and online mapping systems only include nurseries offering the 15 hours of free early years provision in Hertfordshire. If your chosen nursery is listed but appears "greyed out" you will not be able to make an online application and need to contact that nursery direct to enquire about a place for your child.

Last year 94 per cent of applicants applied online and you can check or change your application at any time up until the deadline of April 1, 2011. Parents without online access should contact their nursery of choice direct.

Richard Thake, Executive Member for Education and Skills, said: "The first years of a child's school life set the foundations for future success and we want to help parents choose the best nursery for their child.

"Applying online is quick, safe and efficient and if you do not have internet access at home you can use the free public computers in county libraries."

The parent timeline, frequently asked questions and online mapping system are all located at www.hertsdirect.org/nurseryadmissions

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