Starting Nursery

Starting Nursery is an exciting milestone for both children and parents, but it can also feel a little daunting at first. At Bewley Primary School, we aim to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible. Our experienced and caring staff work closely with each child to ensure they feel happy, safe, and confident in their new setting.

Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Nursery

At Bewley Nursery, we know starting school is a big step for children and families. To make the transition smooth and positive, we offer:

• A home visit, where your child meets their teacher and teaching assistant in their own environment.
• Stay and play sessions, allowing children to explore Nursery with their parent before starting.
• A transition tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring they settle confidently and feel happy in their new setting.

This approach helps children feel safe, valued, and ready to enjoy their first experiences in Nursery.

At Bewley we also provide plenty of support for families to help prepare your child for Nursery, including:

• Nursery Welcome Pack, including all the information you need to get started
• Guidance on admissions and completing the Nursery application form

We are able to offer parents 15 or 30 free hours for 3–4-year-olds. Nursery session times are as follows:

• Morning Nursery: 8.30am – 11.30am
• Afternoon Nursery: 12.15pm – 3.15pm
• Full-time Nursery (30 hours): 8.30am – 3.00pm

We also provide guidance to help you check if your child is eligible for 15 or 30 hours of Nursery provision. Our aim is to support you and your child every step of the way, helping them settle confidently into school life and begin their journey to becoming Bright, Proud, and Successful learners.

Free Nursery Entitlement: 15 and 30 Hours

All children aged 3–4 are entitled to 15 free hours of Nursery in school term time from the day they turn 3. Some children may also be eligible for an additional 15 free hours (making 30 hours in total), depending on the Government’s eligibility criteria.

On our Nursery application form, we ask parents to indicate whether they believe their child will be eligible for 15 or 30 free hours. You can check your child’s entitlement using the Childcare Choices website or the Childcare Calculator: Childcare Choices

These websites also provide information about other forms of childcare support, including childcare vouchers and the new Tax-Free Childcare scheme. Parents eligible for 30 hours and/or Tax-Free Childcare will be directed to the digital childcare service to apply.

When Does the Free Entitlement Begin?

• Child born 1 April – 31 August: September term intake
• Child born 1 September – 31 December: January term intake
• Child born 1 January – 31 March: April term intake

How to Apply for a Place

To apply, complete the Nursery application form and return it by:

• bewley@bewleyprimary.org.uk
• Post or in-person to the school office (see our ‘Contact Us’ page)
• Collecting a form directly from the school office

Applications are added to our waiting list, and parents will be informed when a place becomes available.

• A 15-hour place is offered once proof of your child’s age is provided to the school office.
• A 30-hour place is offered once proof of your child’s age and parental eligibility is provided through a completed eligibility checking form. This form is given when a place is offered and 30-hour eligibility must be maintained throughout your child’s time in Nursery.

Children attending 15 free hours will be offered either 5 mornings or 5 afternoons. Children attending up to 30 free hours will be offered full days Monday to Friday.

How to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare

If you think your child may be eligible for 30 hours free childcare, you will need to apply through the Government’s Childcare Service. Here’s a simple guide for parents:

1. Check your eligibility: You can check online via Childcare Choices or the Childcare Calculator. You will need to meet the Government’s income criteria to qualify.
2. Create a Government Gateway account: If you don’t already have one, you will be asked to create this account at the start of the application.
3. Provide personal details: You will need to enter information such as your name, address, National Insurance number, and similar details for your partner if applicable.
4. Receive your eligibility code: If eligible, you will be given an 11-digit eligibility code for your child. Take this code, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth, to the school to claim your 30 hours place.
5. Reconfirm eligibility every three months: You will be reminded via text or email to reconfirm your details. If your circumstances haven’t changed, simply reconfirm. If your circumstances have changed, update your information in your childcare service account.
6. Grace period: If you miss a reconfirmation deadline, your eligibility may lapse, but your childcare place may still continue for a short period. Speak to the school if this happens.

Important: You do not need to apply through this digital service if your child is only accessing the universal 15 hours free childcare.

Contact Us

Please contact bewley@bewleyprimary.org.uk  if you have any questions about nursery places at Bewley Primary School.  You may also phone the school office on 01642 371647 and ask to speak to Mrs Hakes the EYFS lead.

Completed application forms should be emailed to bewley@bewleyprimary.org.uk or sent to the school office.