What are maintained nursery school or classes?

Children attending a maintained nursery school or 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.

Maintained nursery schools and 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. 

Maintained nursery schools and 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:

• registered with Ofsted as part of the school.
• maintained Nursery Schools offer places to nursery aged pupils only.
• led by a Qualified Teacher.
• have a limited number of places available.
• only open during school hours in term time.
• the school may also offer places for children before and after school as a wrap-around service and/or during school holidays.
• you can apply for a place by contacting the school directly.
• 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

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