What are Academy and Free School nursery classes?

Children attending Academy and Free School nursery classes are considered pupils of the school; however, admission to a school nursery is completely separate from admission to Reception, and a place in reception is not guaranteed.

Academy and Free School nursery classes provide care and education for children as part of the school in which they are based. These settings may take children from 2 years of age, but more often from 3 years of age. 

Academy and Free School nursery classes have to meet the same Ofsted standards as all other registered settings and provide care and education to meet the needs of all children.

Important facts/things to consider:

• part of the school's Ofsted registration
• have a limited number of places available
• may be led by a Qualified Teacher
• you can apply for a place by contacting the school directly
• the school may also offer places for children before and after school as a wrap-around service and/or during school holidays
• offers Nursery Education Funding places
• if eligible, early years pupils may be able to access nursery Free School Meals. For more information, please see our Early Years Free School Meals page

Search for Academy, Free School or Maintained Nursery Schools and Classes