Find a nursery school place

Apply for a place in a nursery school for children under 5.

For example SW1A 2AA

Find a postcode on Royal Mail's postcode finder

What you need to know

  • Available in England and Wales only

Part of Get childcare: step by step

  1. Step 1

    1. Check what help you could get with childcare costs

    You can only get help with 'approved childcare'.

    1. Find out what 'approved childcare' is

  2. and

    1. You are currently viewing: Find a nursery school place
    2. Find a registered childminder
    3. Search for free early education and childcare

  3. Step 2

    You can get help with childcare costs for children under 18. You might be able to apply for:

    You could also get free childcare when your child is aged 9 months to 4 years. You might be able to apply for:

    You can only get childcare vouchers if you have already joined a scheme.

    1. Check the rules for childcare vouchers

  4. Step 3

    1. If you're getting Universal Credit, tell government straight away if your circumstances change

    If you're getting free childcare if you're working or Tax-Free Childcare you have to confirm if your details are up to date every 3 months.

    1. Sign into your childcare account to find out when you next have to check your details

    Your eligibility for support with childcare costs might also change.

    1. Check if your eligibility for help with childcare costs has changed

  5. Step 4

    1. Apply for a primary school place
    2. Find before and after school and holiday clubs

    You might be able to use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for childcare like wraparound care, after school clubs or other activities.