Admission to Nursery 

Our maintained nursery is managed by our governing body.

Maintained nurseries in St Helens offer places for two, three and four-year-olds the year before they start school, but children may be able to go sooner if there are enough places.

We also offer two-year-olds places - Your child can get 15 or 30 hours of funded nursery care each week for 38 weeks each year!

The hours are normally divided up into morning or afternoon sessions on five days per week. We will contact you with details of the session times for your child after a place has been allocated by the school.

Please contact the school office to apply for a Nursery place. 

Nursery applications are available throughout the year - We can offer fully funded, flexible places for children from the age of 2, please come in and see us or ring the office on 01744 678300.

Early childhood education takes place in our Nursery, from 9am until 12noon for the morning session and 1pm until 4pm for the afternoon session with additional options for children with funding for 30 hours.

There are three intakes per year to the Nursery, this being in the term following the child’s second or third birthday . 

  • Autumn term- September (Children who are 2 or 3 from May – end of August)
  • Spring Term- January ( Children who are 2 or 3 from September – end of Dec)
  • Summer Term-April (Children who are 2 or 3 from January – end of April)

Currently all 3 year old children are entitled to 15 hours free childcare. Some children may qualify for 30 hours free nursery entitlement. 

Children with particular special needs, as defined in the Local Education Authority's criteria, may be admitted at an earlier stage. 

Universal Credit

Furthermore, from 28 June 2023 eligible working parents claiming Universal Credit will be able to receive more financial help with their childcare costs, and additional financial support with upfront payments when moving into paid work or increasing their working hours.

30 Hours Free Childcare Eligibility 

Please visit the website below to see if your eligable for 30 hours free childcare:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare

The Best Start in Life

At Grange Valley Primary School, we recognise that every child’s journey is shaped by the moments that matter – from their first steps and first words to that exciting first day at school. We know that the early years are a crucial time for children’s development, and we want to help families access the very best support and information available.

The government’s Best Start in Life website is a new national resource designed to support parents and carers from pregnancy through to school age. It brings together trusted advice, guidance, and practical tools to help you feel informed and confident at every stage of your child’s early development. 

Click the link below to take you to The Best Start in Life Website:

The Best Start in Life 

Admission to School

APPLYING FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026

If your child turns 4 between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2026, he or she will transfer to primary school in September 2026.  From Monday 16 September the website www.sthelens.gov.uk/admissions is open for parents who wish to apply online.

You will be notified on 16 April 2026 confirming your child's school place.

The closing date for you to submit your application is 15 January 2026.

Before submitting your application, please read the Primary Parent Booklet which contains useful information about the application process, including: how places will be allocated, definition of home address and how late applications will be dealt with.

St Helen's Local Authority decides our admissions please find all the information and links to support you in contacting them below.

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For further help and support please visit this link:  https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions

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Grange Valley Nursery FEES

 2 Year Old Provision 

We provide childcare from 8am to 5pm at a cost of £6 per hour or £40 per day. We also accept 2 year old funding.

Please contact the school office for an application pack. 

3/4 Year Old Provision 

Our nursery offers all 3 and 4 year old children 15/30 hours funded childcare. 

If parents/guardians require any further hours we also offer flexible wrap around from 8am to 6pm for an additional charge of £4 per hour.