Applying for nursery places

Admissions to nursery schools and nursery classes are not managed by the council. Applications should be made directly to the early years setting.

Each setting will have its own admission policy, which is agreed by the management/governing body.

Contact the setting directly for a copy of the admission policy and information including how and when to apply.

Links between nursery classes and reception places

Children in a nursery class are not given priority for reception places in the school.

There are no feeder links between any nursery setting and how reception class places at schools are allocated. There is no advantage in attending a specific pre-school setting.

Alternatives to nursery classes

In Newcastle there are several government-funded nursery schools and lots of nursery classes attached to schools.

Your child can also access early years education and childcare at a range of private, voluntary and independent settings. These include childminders, day nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools and some independent schools. The council itself runs 5 day nurseries.

The easiest way to find childcare providers in your area is to use the Newcastle Support Directory.

Help with childcare costs

Some children aged between 2 and 4 can get free childcare. You may also get help with childcare costs if your child is under 16 (or under 17 and disabled).

The government's childcare calculator can help you check how much you could get towards approved childcare.