Lewisham has a duty to provide education and day care for certain children. These duties are laid down in the Children Act 1989 and the 1981 Education Act. Generally, the children referred to in this legislation are described as 'in need'. This is usually on the grounds of a child's disability, their health or development needs, because of child protection concerns, or because of certain other family circumstances.
Referrals are made by Health Visitors and Social Workers and sent to the Admissions Officer in Early Years. Referral forms are then forwarded to the centre requested and the Head of the Centre allocates places according to need.
The primary aim of the admissions system is to ensure that children in need are found appropriate services in the shortest possible time, and that (when services are in short supply) the children most in need receive these services.
Places for children in need are offered at:
- early years centres
- voluntary sector nurseries
- childminders
- pre-schools
- out of school activities.