Nursery Age Consultation
Consultation Letter:
2 March 2026
Dear Consultee
Consultation on the proposal to change the age range of Weston Way Nursery School from 3 to 5 years to 2 to 5 years from 1st September 2026.
We are writing to consult you on a proposal to change the admissions age range of Weston Way Nursery School by altering the lower age limit. If enacted this will change the age range from 3 to 5 years to 2 to 5 years, to enable the admission of this age of child into Weston Way Nursery School with effect from 1st September 2026.
This change requires the governing body to follow a process, with their local community which will includes a public consultation. We would therefore like to hear your views on this proposal.
Why is this being proposed?
Weston Way Nursery School is an 88‑place setting with the capacity and expertise to offer high‑quality early education to young children within our community. As a maintained Nursery School, we employ qualified teachers with specialist knowledge of early childhood development, working alongside a highly skilled team of early years practitioners. Together, they ensure that every child and their family receive personalised, nurturing support. Our trained SENCO provides early identification and intervention, working closely with families and external agencies where needed. Lowering the admission age would enable families to access this high‑quality provision from the age of two, ensuring earlier support, earlier relationship‑building, and earlier access to internal and external services where appropriate.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, we trialled lowering the admission age from 3-5 years to 2-5 years. This has had a positive impact on children’s transition into nursery. The extended settling period has allowed children to build secure relationships with staff, become familiar with routines and the environment, and develop a strong sense of belonging. Families have shared positive feedback about the smoother, more confident start their children have experienced.
Weston Way Nursery School offers a bespoke curriculum enriched by our magical woodland area and is supported by our knowledgeable Forest School practitioner. Our approach nurtures curiosity, independence, and emotional security. This proposal aligns with our vision of creating a “Home from Home, where as a family, we play, learn and grow in our journey together, shaping the future.” By welcoming children from age two, we can offer them more time to develop strong foundations as they grow into future citizens of our community. This proposal strengthens our commitment to enabling children to spend extended time at our nursery school, where they feel happy, safe, and secure. It provides opportunities to explore a world of possibilities through a range of magical moments that create lasting memories, while fostering meaningful engagement through rich learning experiences every step of the way.
How will the change be implemented and managed?
From September 2026, admissions will continue to be managed in line with our existing admissions policy, with the only change being the lowering of the minimum age to two years. The policy will set out the number of places available and the criteria for allocating them.
Places will continue to be offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis and will remain at the discretion of the Headteacher, subject to:
- availability of space
- appropriate staffing ratios
- the suitability of the placement for the child’s transition needs (e.g., SEND, mobility, social care considerations)
The nursery’s core offer will remain unchanged:
- 15‑hour provision: five mornings per week
- 30‑hour provision: six hours per day, five days per week
These places will continue to be available to children who meet the Department for Education criteria for funded entitlement, as well as to fee‑paying families.
How many places new 2 year old places will be available
Weston Way Nursery School’s overall admission number of 88 places will remain unchanged. This means the community will continue to see the same total number of children attending the nursery. The difference will be in the composition of the age groups within that total.
The proposal is to offer up to 20 places for children aged between 2 and 3 years across each academic year. These places may be taken up by families who meet the Department for Education criteria for funded two‑year‑old entitlement, or by parents and carers who wish to pay for a place. Fee information will be published prior to the start of each academic year.
Have your say.
You have until Monday 30th March 2026 to let us know your views on this proposal.
Please tell us if you agree or disagree with the proposal and leave your comments by emailing admin@westonway.herts.sch.uk.
Your response must be received by Monday 30th March 2026. We will not be able to acknowledge or respond individually to your comments, but they will be taken into account.
How the decision will be taken.
This is a consultation, and no decision has been made yet. All responses received will be made available to governing body who will make the final decision and inform the local community.
Yours faithfully
Sheryl Wall and Craig Cartier
Co-Chair of Governors
Weston Way Nursery School