Apply for a nursery place

Find out if you're eligible for free nursery education and how to apply.

When your child is eligible for free nursery education

All 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for up to 15 hours a week of free nursery provision from the term after their 3rd birthday and some children may be entitled to an additional 15 hours of full nursery education.

If your child's third birthday falls between:Your child will become eligible from:
1 January and 31 MarchThe start of summer term (April)
1 April and 31 AugustThe start of autumn term (September)
1 September and 31 DecemberThe start of spring term (January)

This is based on children attending nursery for 38 weeks of the year for 5, 3-hour sessions per week, either every morning or every afternoon, although other flexible options may be available.

Additional hours and 2 year olds

Some 2-year-old children are also entitled to free places and some may be entitled to an additional 15 hours of full nursery education. 

Find out more on the Family Information website.

If you need further information, you can contact the Children and Families Information Service.

Telephone: 03457 125 737

Who provides nursery education

Various 'settings' provide nursery education where parents can access this free entitlement. You can search for these settings on the Family Information website:

Before you apply

The admission policy for community and voluntary controlled nurseries outlines how applications are prioritised.

Read the admission policy for nurseries

Attendance in a nursery class does not guarantee a place in the reception group at the school. It is not a factor in allocating places at community and voluntary controlled schools and many other schools.

Apply for a nursery place

Download the application form and return it to your preferred school.

If you are unable to download an application form, please contact your preferred nursery or If you are unable to download an application form, please contact the School Admissions and Appeals Team by emailing school.admissions@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

For all nursery enquiries or eligibility code queries

Check you're eligible and get a code on the Childcare Choices website.

Contact the Children and Families Information Service

Telephone: 03457 125 737
Email: childrens.information@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Closing dates for community and voluntary-controlled nursery applications

2024/2025 nursery application dates

When your child turns 3Recommended time to applyWhen your child would start nursery
1 September to 31 December 202416 April to 19 July 20247 January 2025
1 January to 31 March 20254 September to 20 December 202422 April 2025

2025/2026 nursery application dates

When your child turns 3Recommended time to applyWhen your child would start nursery
1 April to 31 August 20257 January to 4 April 20253 September 2025
1 September to 31 December 202522 April to 18 July 20257 January 2026
1 January 2026 to 31 March 20263 September to 19 December 202513 April 2026

 

For academies, voluntary aided and foundation schools, you should check with the individual school for the closing date.

 

Contact the Schools Admissions team

If you are unable to find the answer to your query online, you can contact us.

Address

Address

School Admissions and Appeals
Westmorland and Furness Council
PO Box 304
Kendal
LA9 9GY
United Kingdom