Our nursery offers high quality early education for children aged two to four. As a school-run provision, we follow the national guidance on early years funding and accept government funded places for all eligible children.
Government funded hours
2 to 3 year olds (Little Pips)
We only offer government-funded places of 15 hours a week in Little Pips, based on eligibility. Our 15-hour sessions are either over five mornings or five afternoons. We do not offer 30-hour places in Little Pips.
To receive funding from the government for early learning, you must apply for a code. Your child’s code will be available for 10 weeks before the end of the term in which your child turns two.
- For birthdays between 1 April – 31 August: Apply from 23 June ready to start from the 1 September.
- For birthdays between 1 September – 31 December: Apply from 23 October, ready to start from 1 January.
- For birthdays between 1 January – 31 March: Apply from 22 January ready to start from 1 April.
3 to 4 year olds (Chestnuts)
All 3-4 year old children are eligible for funded nursery hours. If you are a working parent, it might be you are able to provide for full-day sessions.
Our 15-hour sessions are either across five mornings or five afternoons. 30-hour sessions are five full days.
Nursery sessions
2 to 3 year olds (Little Pips)
Morning session 8.30am-11.30am
Afternoon session 12.30pm-3.30pm
3 to 4 year olds (Chestnuts)
Morning session 8.30am-11.30am
Afternoon session 12.30pm-3.30pm
Full time session 8.30am-2.45pm (funded). Additional time to 3.30pm must be paid for.
Applying for a place
Complete the online application form below.
It is important that families share any involvement with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists or MAST. Please also let us know if you feel your child may need additional support, so that appropriate plans can be made. Applications are passed to the early years team and added to our waiting list.
Offer of a place and next steps
When a place becomes available, we will contact you:
For Little Pips (2–3 years), to request your government-funded early learning eligibility code
For Chestnuts (3–4 years), to confirm whether your child will access a 15-hour or 30-hour nursery place
- Please note we will contact you in the half term before you are eligible to confirm your place
We will then arrange a home or class visit. During this visit, staff will support you to complete the remaining paperwork, answer any questions and, most importantly, spend time getting to know you and your child. This helps children feel confident, safe and well prepared before starting nursery.
This approach reduces repetition, improves flow, and keeps the key distinctions clear without duplicating content.