Nursery admissions 2025-26

All parents are entitled to 15 hours per week of free nursery education for 38 weeks each year from the start of the school term after their child’s third birthday until the child reaches compulsory school age i.e. the term after their fifth birthday.

If you are interested in applying for a nursery place please go through the following options:

1. In year Nursery application (2025-26)

If your child was born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 and does not have a nursery place or you wish to apply for a transfer you must submit an online application on Parent Portal. If you are unable to apply online, please contact us for an In- year Nursery application (CAF).

2. In year Nursery application (Jan/April start)

If your child turns three during the 2025-26 school year and you would like a nursery place for January or April 2026, you should complete an In- year Nursery application (CAF).

You should also submit an application for Nursery 2026-27 in case we are unable to offer a place for a January or April start.

3. Coordination of admission to Nursery in September 2026

If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 and you would like a nursery place for September 2026, you must submit an online application by 14 February 2026. You should apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk.

The co-ordination of nursery admissions provides a fair and transparent admissions process, enabling children to access their statutory entitlement of 15 hours of educational provision.

Children will usually start nursery school or a nursery class attached to a primary school in the September following their third birthday.

The Starting Nursery in Tower Hamlets booklet contains all the information you need on applying, including a step by step guide to making your online application.

You can apply for up to three Tower Hamlets nurseries.

There is no automatic right of transfer from the nursery class to the reception class in the same school, and attending a nursery class does not give any priority for admission to reception class at the same school.

Parents advice session

Join the the School Admissions Service and the Transitions Team for a parents advice session, book your place.

How to apply

If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 and you would like a nursery place for September 2026, you must apply online via the eadmissions portal. The closing date is midnight on 14 February 2026.

When you have completed and submitted your application you will receive an email confirmation.

Application guidance

For guidance on completing an online application, please see Appendix B of the Starting Nursery in Tower Hamlets booklet.

If you are applying for a nursery place at a voluntary aided school, free school or academy, you must – as well as completing our online application – complete the school’s supplementary information form (SIF) if they have one. See a list of schools requiring SIFs.

Closing date

The closing date for nursery applications is 14 February 2026. All applications submitted before this date are considered equally, and are not processed on a first come first served basis.

It is very important not to apply late, because applications made after the closing date will be considered only after places have been allocated to children whose parents applied on time.

Nursery class places are in considerable demand and most schools will not have vacancies once all applications that have been received on time have been processed.

Notification of decisions

All parents that applied by 14 February 2026 will be sent an email with the outcome of their application on 11 May 2026. Parents will also be able to view the outcome of their application by visiting the eadmissions portal.

The email will be sent after 5pm and will name the nursery at which your child has been offered a place.

This offer will be for a part-time place only. Once you have been offered a part-time place you may request a full time place from your nursery.

If you have not been offered a place at any of your preferences, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list. You can also apply for nurseries that still have places remaining.

You must accept or decline the offer of a place with the nursery by 26 May 2026, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

Funded entitlements

All children are eligible for 15 hours a week universal funded entitlements over a 38 week year (term time only), the term after their third birthday. This continues until the child reaches compulsory school age or moves to into reception class.

Extended 15 hours for working parents

Working parents may be able to access additional 15 hours (30 hours in total) if they meet the eligibility criteria. Parents must earn at least the national minimum of living wage for 16 hours a week and less than £100,000 a year. For more information on this and other support towards childcare cost we suggest you visit Childcare Choices.

Once your child has been offered the 15 hours place you may request additional hours but these will be subject to availability and eligibility (HMRC eligibility code).

Parents who are not eligible can purchase additional hours. You will need to contact the nursery for information concerning the cost of additional hours and any additional charges. Full-time places will be subject to availability.

Only 15 hour a week places will be offered as part of the coordinated scheme.

Contact the School Admissions Service

By email

You can contact the admissions service by email at school.admissions@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Tower Hamlets Transition Support Service

Tower Hamlets Transition Support Service provides impartial advice, information and assistance to support children, young people and their families during key points of transition. They can provide help with a range of school issues including school admissions, appeals and home/school communication.

Email: transitions@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 1533

Tower Hamlets Family Information Service

The Family Information Service (FIS) holds a database of all registered childcare in the borough including details of vacancies, costs, opening times, age range, special needs provision, and availability of school pick-up.

There is also guidance on how to choose childcare and ways to pay for it. For those interested in a career in childcare, the FIS can provide information on what jobs are available, training and vacancies.

Tel: 020 7364 6495
Email: fis@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Tower Hamlets Integrated Early Years Service (IEYS)

The early years service provides information on early years/foundation stage education, Sure Start Children and Family Centres, future plans for childcare and early education services in Tower Hamlets and Sure Start.

Tel: 020 7364 1553
Email: early.years@towerhamlets.gov.uk