Admissions to our Nursery
Admissions to our Morning Nursery
At St Richard's, our Early Years class is currently together with our Reception children. This is called Blossom class. We have up to 26 places available in our Nursery class and up to 30 places in Reception. Separate sessions are held for the two different groups of children.
Nursery children have access to our affordable, on-site, school led wrap around care 3Bees (from 07:45-1800).
The Nursery morning session will run between 8:55am to 11:55am. Gates will open to all children from 8:45am.
Extended Hours
We offer 30-hour funded places for eligible Nursery children and / or paid extended hours if requested. This is reviewed on a termly basis.
Following new government guidance, the 30 hours must now be provided as continuous hours across the day. At St Richard’s, this means your child’s 30 hour funded day will run from Monday to Friday. The Early Years door will open at 8:45am to give children time to settle in before the day begins.
Lunchtime is included in the extended funded hours. Children can:
- Bring a packed lunch from home
- Pay for a school meal
- Receive a free school meal if eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
To support the children in finishing the day together as a class, and with the 30-hour funded session finishing at 2.55pm, we will continue to extend the day until 3:30pm, in line with the rest of the school. There is no charge for this extra time, but we do kindly ask for a voluntary contribution of £3 per session to help cover Early Years resources and staffing.
Paid places
Extended sessions – 11:55am – 3:30pm
£6 per hour (£21 for the afternoon – 3.5 hours)
A minimum commitment of three afternoons per week is required.
Further information can be found in our payment policy.
To help you feel fully informed, please see below for a selection of frequently asked questions about our merged Nursery and Reception class.
The deadline for applications for September 2026 is 1st March, 2026. You will be notified of the outcome of your application in May, 2026. You will then be invited to our Nursery Induction meeting.
The majority of our nursery children transfer to Reception the following year. Please note that there is no automatic right of entry from the Nursery to Reception. Parents or carers must make a separate application for a place in the Reception class.
Further information / Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits from mixed-age classes
Mixing Nursery and Reception classes offers a range of benefits for children’s development. It fosters social growth by allowing younger children to learn from older peers while giving older children opportunities to develop empathy and leadership skills. The mixed-age setting supports personalised learning, with activities tailored to a range of abilities and developmental stages. Children benefit from broader learning experiences, such as collaborative play and varied activities across both classrooms, which enhance their curiosity and skills. This structure also smooths transitions, as Nursery children become familiar with Reception routines, and promotes a sense of community and continuity. Additionally, shared resources and expertise among staff ensure high-quality teaching and care, creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child thrives.
The mixed class structure fosters social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children will benefit from a broader range of activities, peer learning opportunities, and a strong sense of community. It also allows for a smooth transition for Nursery children into Reception routines.
How will you ensure my child receives age-appropriate teaching?
Teachers will use differentiated planning and teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child. Focus groups and tailored activities will ensure that children progress at their individual levels, with developmentally appropriate challenges and support. Children in Reception will have different input and learning sessions at times to the Nursery class as well as combined learning. All children will always be working on the next steps that are matched to their progress. A broad range of engaging activities in both the Reception and Nursery classrooms will stimulate curiosity and creativity, promoting progress across all areas of learning. Regular assessments and close observation will allow staff to track your child’s development and adjust their learning experiences accordingly, ensuring steady progress in a nurturing and inclusive setting.
How will children’s emotional needs be supported?
Staff will continue to prioritise emotional well-being through a nurturing, inclusive environment. The familiar routines and supportive relationships will help children feel secure, while small-group interactions will allow for individualised attention. Teachers and staff establish strong relationships with the children, offering consistent care, encouragement, and a sense of security which is built on throughout the year. We organise a robust transition process for new children.
Daily routines and familiar structures will help your child feel safe and supported, while flexible activities will allow them to engage at their own comfort level. Small-group sessions and focus groups will provide opportunities for children to express themselves, develop friendships, and learn to manage their emotions in a supportive environment. Staff will closely monitor each child’s emotional development, offering tailored support to ensure they feel happy, secure, and ready to thrive.