Starting Nursery: Admission Criteria and Eligibility

At Our Lady and St Joseph’s, we understand that the transition into nursery is a significant milestone for both children and families. We strive to make this process as clear and welcoming as possible, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life—aligned with our vision to nurture each child’s potential in a supportive and inclusive setting.

• Admission Age: Children can start nursery the Monday following their 3rd birthday if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • They are in receipt of 15 hours of funded childcare for 2-year-olds receiving support (further information can be found HERE)
  • They are eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare (further information can be found HERE)

• If these conditions do not apply: Your child can begin nursery at the start of the term following their 3rd birthday.

• Flexible Hours: Flexible nursery hours are also available, subject to our capacity to accommodate your needs.

•  Checking Eligibility: Parents and carers can check their child’s eligibility for funded hours HERE. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information when planning your child’s nursery start date.

  Please Note: Admission to Nursery does not guarantee admission to Our Lady and St Joseph’s Primary School, which operates a separate admissions policy.

Visiting Our Nursery

We warmly welcome visits from prospective parents and carers who wish to see our nursery in action. Touring the setting provides a valuable opportunity to meet our dedicated staff, explore our learning spaces, and experience first-hand how we embed our values into everyday activities. Please contact our school office by telephoning (01709) 760084 or emailing school@olsj.org.uk where our office staff will arrange your visit.

How to Apply

• Application Forms: You can find our nursery application forms HERE to begin the admission process.
• Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our school office.

Additional Resources

For detailed guidance and support on early years education and childcare funding, we recommend visiting the Best Start in Life Parent Hub , a valuable resource for families navigating the early stages of their child’s development.

Summary

Choosing the right nursery is the first step in your child’s educational journey. At Our Lady and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to providing a welcoming, nurturing, and enriching environment that reflects our vision and values. We look forward to partnering with you and your child to ensure a positive and inspiring start to their learning adventure.

Next Steps:

• Check your child’s eligibility for funded hours online.
• Download and complete the application form.
• Arrange a visit to meet our team and see our nursery in action.

Together, we can build a strong foundation for your child’s future.