This page is about Nursery classes in community primary schools for 3 and 4 year olds.
All community primary schools in Merton have Nursery classes. See the list of primary schools in Merton.
To apply for a place at an academy, voluntary aided (church affiliated) school or independent school, you need to contact the school directly.
If your child is 3 or 4 years old, they are entitled to 15 hours a week of free education and childcare. You can get this at a school nursery or another provider. Find out more about free education and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds.
School nursery class leaflet 2024 (2025 booklet to follow)
When your child can start Nursery
Children can usually start in a Nursery class from the start of the school term after their third birthday. However, some schools only admit children from the September after their third birthday, which provides a more settled learning environment.
Important dates
| Child’s date of birth | Key dates |
|---|
1 September 2020 -
31 December 2020 | - Eligible to start Nursery from January 2024
- The main application process has closed, but you can make an in-year application.
- You will also need to submit an application for starting Reception 2025
|
1 January 2021 -
31 March 2021 | - Eligible to start Nursery from April 2024
- The main application process has closed, but you can make an in-year application.
- You will also need to submit an application for starting Reception 2025
|
1 April 2021 -
31 August 2021 | - Eligible to start Nursery from September 2024.
- The main application process has closed, but you can make an in-year application.
- You will also need to submit an application for starting Reception 2025
|
1 September 2021 -
31 December 2021 | - Eligible to start Nursery from January 2025.
- The main application process has closed, but you can make an in-year application.
|
1 January 2022 -
31 March 2022 | - Eligible to start Nursery from April 2025.
- If you applied before 28 February 2024, offers will be made during February 2025.
- If you haven’t applied yet, you can submit an in-year application.
|
1 April 2022 -
31 August 2022 | - Eligible to start Nursery from September 2025.
- Contact schools for information about tours and open events
- Apply by 30 November 2024. How to apply
- Schools issue the first round of offers on 10 January 2025.
|
1 September 2022 -
31 December 2022 | - Eligible to start Nursery from January 2026.
- Contact schools for information about tours and open events
- Apply by 30 November 2024. How to apply
- Schools issue the first round of offers on 10 January 2025.
|
1 January 2023 -
31 March 2023 | - Eligible to start Nursery from April 2026.
- Contact schools for information about tours and open events
- Apply by 30 November 2024. How to apply
- Schools issue the first round of offers on 10 January 2025..
|
1 April 2023 -
31 August 2023 | - Eligible to start Nursery from September 2026.
- Information will be available on our website from September 2025.
|
1 September 2023 -
31 December 2023 | - Eligible to start Nursery from January 2027.
- Information will be available on our website from September 2025.
|
1 January 2024 -
31 March 2024 | - Eligible to start Nursery from April 2027.
- Information will be available on our website from September 2025.
|
Contact us
School Admissions Team
Civic Centre
Morden
SM4 5DX
Email: admissions@merton.gov.uk
