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. Find out more from the Westmorland and Furness Families Information website. This is based on children attending nursery for 38 weeks of the year for 5 x 3 hour sessions per week, either every morning or every afternoon, although other flexible options may be available. Various 'settings' provide nursery education where parents can access this free entitlement, including:
- nursery classes in 'maintained' infant and primary schools
- maintained nursery schools
- pre-school playgroups
- private nurseries
- academies which are registered to provide nursery education.
Find nursery settings in your area
| If your child's third birthday falls between: | Your child will become eligible from: |
| 1 January and 31 March | The start of the Summer Term (April) |
| 1 April and 31 August | The start of the Autumn Term (September) |
| 1 September and 31 December | The start of the Spring Term (January) |
Some 2 year old children are also entitled to free places. Contact the Children and Families Information Service for more information - Telephone: 03457 125 737.
| Title | Date | Size |
|---|---|---|
 |
30/08/2023 | 17k |
|
30/08/2023 | 149k |
For community and voluntary controlled nurseries:
| When your child turns 3 | Recommended time to apply |
| 1 January to 31 March | 15 January to 28 February |
| 1 April to 31 August | 15 June to 31 July |
| 1 September to 31 December | 15 October to 30 November |
For academies, voluntary aided and foundation schools:
Check with the individual school for the closing date.
Before you apply for a nursery place, please make sure that you have read through the important information leaflet that includes the admissions policy for community and voluntary controlled nurseries.
Download the application form and return it to your preferred school.
If you are unable to download an application form, please contact the School Admissions and Appeals Team and we will post one to you:
Email: school.admissions@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk - application forms only
For all nursery or eligibility code queries, please contact the Children and Families Information Service
Telephone: 03457 125 737
Email: childrens.information@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
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.
| Title | Date | Size |
|---|---|---|
 |
30/08/2023 | 65k |
|
30/08/2023 | 219k |
Please contact the nursery you are interested in for information about their establishment and applying for a place with them.