School Admissions - Nursery Schools

Within Torfaen there are a range of settings available to nursery age children both maintained by the Authority and within the private and voluntary sector. 

It is the Authority's policy to admit children to it's Nursery schools and nursery units (known as maintained nurseries) from the beginning of the term following a childs third birthday. (Autumn Term is 1st September - 31st December, Spring Term is 1st January - 31st March, Summer Term is 1st April - 31st August).

Places are allocated on a part-time basis (morning or afternoon sessions only) for five days per week. In certain limited circumstances, full-time placements can be offered to 4 year olds. 

If you choose for your child to attend a nursery in a voluntary or private sector which is approved by the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales, and registered as an education provider by the LA, the Authority will fund your child's placement on a part-time basis (minimum of 10 educational hours over 4 or 5 sessions per week or 3 full days) (minimum of 7 hours per day).

The level of funding will be comparable with that of a four year old in a maintained provision and this currently equates to £10 per day following a childs third birthday.

Where a child attends a Private Day Nursery, parents will be responsible for any additional payments over and above the funding allocated by the LA. 

September (January /April) 2024 admissions

The closing date for September 2024 admissions was Friday 21st July 2023 (noon). Therefore, any applications received will now be classed as a late application and will be processed on a month-by-month basis.

Please return your application to the nursery school of your choice along with the required proof documents.

You can download a Nursery School - 2024 Admission Form or alternatively one can be obtained by contacting school admissions on school.admissions@torfaen.gov.uk.

Parents will be notified of the outcome of their application via the Education Department by 15th September 2023 (September 2024 4 year olds and January 2024 rising 3’s). For those pupils who have applied for April rising 3’s, you will be informed by Friday 26th January 2024.

Parents/carers choosing a private or voluntary setting should take the application form to the setting your choice, who will apply for the funding on their behalf.

Full details of the Authority's Nursery provision can be found in the Parents / Carers Information Booklet or by contacting school.admissions@torfaen.gov.uk to request a paper copy. Details can also be obtained from the schools direct.

Details of voluntary and private providers can be obtained from the leaders/managers of the playgroup and Private Nurseries or in the Parents / Carers Information Booklet.

For more information about admissions to Playgroups, Cylchoedd Meithrin and Private Day Nurseries please contact Torfaen Family Information Service on 08000 196330 or email fis@torfaen.gov.uk.

Details regarding The Childcare Offer For Wales (30 hours Childcare) can be found here.