Little Cuthbert's Nursery @STA

Further to a recent successful funding application, we are delighted to invite expressions of interest from families within our community for places at our new school-based nursery ‘Little Cuthbert's’, starting in the Autumn Term 2025.

Our initial offer for the ‘Little Cuthbert's’ nursery will include a bespoke setting for the youngest members of our community, where play is at the heart of all early learning.

Our long-term ambition is to establish a comprehensive 'one-stop shop' for childcare needs within your community. This vision includes responding to the childcare demands of the community to provide up to 50 weeks a year of nursery provision, as well as wrap-around care and holiday club for siblings who are also attending St Anthony’s.

To secure a place for your child at ‘Little Cuthbert's’ nursery at St Anthony’s we are asking you to complete the expression of interest form which can be found by clicking here: https://forms.office.com/e/PRA8fb4T4t

The form also includes questions about potential places for children who are eligible for 2-year-old nursery provision during the academic year from September 2025. There are additional questions related to other childcare needs that you might have which include breakfast, after-hours and school holiday provision. This will be invaluable in supporting our immediate and future planning to best serve you and the families in our community.

We look forward to receiving your expressions of interest and starting on this exciting new chapter for us all at St Anthony’s school.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my child is upset when they start?

We understand that building safe and secure relationships can take time when beginning nursery. We will talk through your concerns and make a slow transition into the nursery at a pace that your child is comfortable with.

What happens if my child needs a nap?

No problem! We know children need sleep, to rest and recharge.

What should my child bring to nursery?

Please bring lots of spare clothing for your child that is clearly labelled with their name (including a spare change of shoes) as at Little Cuthbert’s we value messy play.

What if my child is in nappies or is toilet training?

Simply provide nappies, wipes and additional clothing to allow for extra changes.

Is there an extra charge for my child to stay over lunchtime?

No, there is no additional time fee for the lunch period. You may wish to purchase a meal at school or simply bring a packed lunch for them to eat with their nursery friends.

News and updates

Building works progress

Works are scheduled to commence on our nursery expansion over the summer break, aiming to finish in early September for handover and preparation of the learning space.

Opening Schedule

Following refurbishment work over the summer holidays, Little Cuthbert’s Nursery for 2 year-old children is due to open on 1^st October 2025.

Nursery Induction

We will be in touch in September to arrange induction visits for you and your child before their start.

Play-Based Curriculum

At Little Cuthbert’s, we believe that when children are happy and relaxed, the best learning can happen. Play is the heart of early learning.

Children are curious and eager to explore the world around them, therefore we ensure that children have the right playful learning environment to support this.

As Early Years professionals, we quickly build positive relationships with children and parents allowing us to understand the individual interests and needs of every child, to best support their learning journeys.

Your childcare funding

From September 2025, eligible working parents of children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (term time).

Your two-year-old can get 15 hours of free childcare if you get certain benefits or, your child is looked after by a Local Authority; has left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order; has an education, health and care (EHC) plan or receives Disability Living Allowance.

In both cases, you must check your eligibility and apply via Homepage | Childcare Choices. If your child is eligible for working family entitlement, they will be allocated an 11-digit eligibility code that you must revalidate every 3 months. Your Local Authority will determine if your child is eligible for 2-year-old support funding and will allocate either a 6 or 8-digit eligibility code that will not require regular revalidation.

If you want to use these funded entitlements within our nursery setting from September 2025, then you must have applied for your code by no later than 31^st August 2025. Our nursery delivers these funded hours completely free of charge to parents (no top-up fees apply).

Universal Entitlement provides all 3- and 4-year-olds with 15 hours of free early education and childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year regardless of income or work status. Parents do not need to apply for this funded entitlement.

Please let us know if your child will be accessing any of these funded entitlements at another setting whilst attending our nursery so that we can calculate the split of hours correctly.

30 hours of childcare represents a full-time place at our nursery – 6 hours per day, for 5 days per week over 38 weeks of the year. 15 hours of childcare provides for 3 hours per day – either 5 morning sessions or 5 afternoon sessions. Alternatively, you can access 15 hours over two full days and 1 half day.

Funded entitlements are available to your child from the term after their qualifying birthday. If you require additional sessions above your funded entitlements, or before these commence, then chargeable sessions can be paid for half-termly in advance, subject to availability. These are offered at £18 per 3-hour session for 3-and 4-year-olds and £24 per 3-hour session for 2-year-olds. You can use tax-free childcare arrangements to help pay for chargeable sessions - Your childcare funding.

For every child that attends our nursery setting, the Local Authority requires us to ask you to present your child’s original birth certificate or passport to validate their date of birth before we can offer a place.