Overview
All Hounslow infant and primary schools (except Edison Primary, Nishkam School West London and Reach Academy Hanworth Park) have nursery classes.
This is not the same as reception class, which is the first year of compulsary school education. You will need to apply for this separately at a later time.
Education in a school nursery is not compulsory and it may not be possible for every child to secure a place.
Read our brochure: Starting nursery class in a Hounslow school in September 2025
An alternative to a school nursery class is early education with either a:
- private day nursery
- private preschool playgroup
- childminder
If your child already has a place at one of these providers, they can continue there until they start reception class in the September after their fourth birthday.
When your child can start
Your child can start nursery in a school in the September after their third birthday.
You need to make an application near the beginning of the calendar year they can start.
15 or 30 hours funded entitlement
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to up to 15 funded hours of early education each week for 38 weeks of the year.
Working families who meet certain eligibility criteria can also claim an additional 15 hours of funded early education a week, making 30 hours in total.
You can read more about the early education entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds and how to apply.
Contact
For queries about childcare and early education, contact our Family Information Service:
- email: fis@hounslow.gov.uk
- phone: 020 8583 3470
