Apply for a nursery place

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 third birthday.

If your child’s third birthday falls between 1 January and 31 March, your child will become eligible from the start of the summer term in April.

If your child’s third birthday falls between 1 April and 31 August, your child will become eligible from the start of the Autumn term in September.

If your child’s third birthday falls between 1 September and 31 December, your child will become eligible from the start of the spring term in January.

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:

• Day nurseries
• Nursery schools
• Independent school nurseries
• Pre-school

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.

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@cumberland.gov.uk

Closing dates for community and voluntary controlled nurseries

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