We are delighted that you are considering our Nursery as the first step in your child’s learning journey. Our school based nursery provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can play, explore and develop a love of learning. As part of the wider school community, children benefit from excellent early years provision, experienced staff, and strong transition links into Reception.
At Kippax Ash Tree we offer 2-3 year old and 3-4 year old Nursery provision for 15 or 30 hours depending on your needs and eligibility.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old.
- Children can start nursery in the term after their third birthday (September, January, or April).
- Alternatively providing we have space available and the correct staffing ratios your child can start as soon as they turn 2 or 3 years of age.
- Places are offered in line with our Nursery Admissions Criteria (see below).
Nursery Admissions Criteria
Where the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, the following oversubscription criteria will apply in order of priority:
- Children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)
- Priority will be given to children from families who are currently eligible for Free School Meals.
- Priority will be given to children from families who are currently eligible for Free School Meals.
- Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children
- Children who are in the care of a local authority or who were previously looked after but ceased to be so because they were adopted, became subject to a child arrangements order, or a special guardianship order.
- Children who are in the care of a local authority or who were previously looked after but ceased to be so because they were adopted, became subject to a child arrangements order, or a special guardianship order.
- Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names the school will be admitted.
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names the school will be admitted.
- Children with a Sibling at the School
- Children who have a brother or sister attending the school (Reception – Year 6) at the time of admission.
- Children who have a brother or sister attending the school (Reception – Year 6) at the time of admission.
- Children of Staff
- Children of staff employed at the school, where the staff member has been employed for two or more years or has been recruited to fill a post where there is a demonstrable skills shortage.
- Children of staff employed at the school, where the staff member has been employed for two or more years or has been recruited to fill a post where there is a demonstrable skills shortage.
- Proximity to the School
- Children living closest to the school, measured in a straight line from the home address to the main school gate.
- Children living closest to the school, measured in a straight line from the home address to the main school gate.
Tie-Breaker
If two or more applicants meet the same criterion and there are not enough places to admit all children, distance from the school will be used as a tie-breaker.
Waiting List
If the nursery is oversubscribed, a waiting list will be maintained in line with the criteria above.
Important Note
A place in the nursery does not guarantee a place in the school’s Reception class. Parents must apply separately through the Local Authority for Reception admissions.
Session Times and Hours
We offer both 15 hours universal entitlement and 30 hours extended entitlement (for eligible families).
- Monday, Tuesday full days (8.40am -3.15pm) and Wednesday morning until 12pm.
- Wednesday from 12.30pm, Thursday and Friday full days (8.40am - 3.15pm).
- Full day session (30 hours): Monday to Thursday full days 8:40am – 3:15pm (with lunch break) and Friday morning until 12pm.
- We also offer an extra half day session at the cost of £12.00 which is payable in advance via Arbor. These extra paid sessions are only available subject to availability.
Wraparound care (breakfast and after-school club) may also be available in some of our Brigshaw Learning Partnership schools – please contact the school office for details.
Funding and Fees
- All children are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery provision per week.
- Eligible families may also access up to 30 hours of free childcare.
- Additional hours may be available at an additional cost subject to availability.
For more information on childcare funding, visit Childcare Choices and gov.uk.
How to Apply
- Complete an application form and an FEE form (please collect from the school office).
- Return your completed forms to the school office.
Offers of places will be sent out in line with our admissions timetable (see below).
Key Dates
- Nursery applications are welcomed all year round.
- We strongly advise that you book a visit to our Nursery before making an application. You can do this by contacting the school office.
- Providing we have spaces available we can take children as soon as they turn 2 years of age in our 2 year old room.
- Providing we have spaces available we can take children as soon as they turn 3 years of age in our 3-4 Nursery room.
- If we are full you might have to wait until the term after your child turns 2 or 3 years of age.
Settling Into Nursery
We understand that starting Nursery is a big step for children (and parents too!). To support this transition we offer:
- A home visit before your child starts.
- Stay and play sessions before your child starts.
- A meeting with the school SENCO (if you need to share any specific information about your child in regards to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- A gentle staggered start to help children settle.
- A named key person (Family Group Leader) who will get to know your child and support their learning and wellbeing.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about nursery admissions, please contact the school office or email:
📧 katinfo@brigshawtrust.com
📞 0113 3850680
We look forward to welcoming your child to our nursery!
Key Documents
