Apply for a nursery place

Find out if you're eligible for free nursery education and how to apply.

When your child is eligible for free nursery education

All children aged 3 to 4 years are eligible for up to 15 hours a week of funded nursery provision from the term after their third birthday.

Some children aged 3 to 4 years may be eligible for an additional 15 hours.

To find out more, visit Help with childcare costs on the Cumberland Family Hubs website.

Additional hours and 2 year olds

Some 2 year old children are also entitled to funded places and some may be entitled to an additional 15 hours.

Find out more on the Cumberland Family Hub website.

Who provides nursery education

Various 'settings' provide nursery education where parents can access this funded entitlement. You can search for these settings on the Family Information website:

Before you apply

The admission policy for community and voluntary controlled nurseries outlines how applications are prioritised.

Read the admission policy for nurseries

Attendance in a nursery class does not guarantee a place in the reception group at the school. It is not a factor in allocating places at community and voluntary controlled schools and many other schools.

Apply for a nursery place

Contact your childcare provider of choice for support and advice on how to register for a place.

Contact the Families Information Service for any queries.

Email: families.information@cumberland.gov.uk