Nursery school and nursery class admissions

Southwark nursery schools and nursery classes take children aged from three to five years.

Most nursery places are offered on a part time basis.

A part time nursery place could be up to five mornings, five afternoons or a combination of both per week.

Applying for a nursery school or nursery class place

Step 1: do your research

Decide which nursery school or nursery class may suit your child, visit schools and ask for their admission criteria.

Step 2: consider the admission criteria

If your child meets some or all of a nursery school's or nursery classes criteria they may have a greater chance of being offered a place over another child that doesn't meet the criteria.

The headteacher of the school will consider your child's application and offer a nursery place based on the published admission criteria.

If you are not offered a place at your preferred nursery you can ask for your child's name to be placed on the waiting list. In the meantime you may wish to seek admission at other nursery schools, nursery classes or under five facilities.

Please note that you are unable to appeal the decision given in your offer letter.

Step 3: get your application in on time

You should register your child for a place at a nursery school or nursery school from the age of two years. Contact the school you prefer to request an application form.

Step 4: offer of a place

Nearer the time of admission, the nursery school or nursery class will inform you of whether they are able to offer your child a place.

If your child is offered a place at a nursery school or nursery class, it is likely that the offer will be conditional until proof of address has been given. Original copies of the following may be required:

• Child benefit documentation
• Council tax bill
• One other proof of address, for example bank statement, tv licence, credit card or store card statement