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 2023 (2024 leaflet coming soon)

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 birthKey dates
1 September 2019 -
31 December 2019
  • Eligible to start Nursery from January 2023.
  • 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 2024.
1 January 2020 -
31 March 2020
  • Eligible to start Nursery from April 2023.
  • 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 2024.
1 April 2020 -
31 August 2020
  • Eligible to start Nursery from September 2023.
  • 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 2024.
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.
1 January 2021 -
31 March 2021
  • Eligible to start Nursery from April 2024.
  • If you applied before 28 February 2023, offers will be made during February 2024.
  • If you haven’t applied yet, you can submit an in-year application.
1 April 2021 -
31 August 2021
  • Eligible to start Nursery from September 2024.
  • Contact schools for information about tours and open events September 2023–February 2024.
  • Apply by 28 February 2024. How to apply
  • Schools issue the first round of offers on 12 May 2024.
  • Schools issue the second round of offers in mid-June 2024.
1 September 2021 -
31 December 2021
  • Eligible to start Nursery from January 2025.
  • Contact schools for information about tours and open events September 2023–February 2024.
  • Apply by 28 February 2024. How to apply
  • Schools issue the first round of offers on 12 May 2024.
  • Schools issue the second round of offers in mid-June 2024.
1 January 2022 -
31 March 2022
  • Eligible to start Nursery from April 2025.
  • Contact schools for information about tours and open events September 2023–February 2024.
  • Apply by 28 February 2024. How to apply
  • Schools issue the first round of offers on 12 May 2024.
  • Schools issue the second round of offers in mid-June 2024.
1 April 2022 -
31 August 2022
  • Eligible to start Nursery from September 2025.
  • Information will be available on our website from September 2024.
1 September 2022 -
31 December 2022
  • Eligible to start Nursery from January 2026.
  • Information will be available on our website from September 2024.
1 January 2023 -
31 March 2023
  • Eligible to start Nursery from April 2026.
  • Information will be available on our website from September 2024.

Contact us

School Admissions Team
Civic Centre
Morden
SM4 5DX

Email: admissions@merton.gov.uk