Nursery 'Rising Three' Offer
In Merton, a "Rising 3" refers to a child who is eligible to start a nursery place in a mainstream school during the academic term they turn three.
If you have already formally accepted a place in our school nursery for your child, you can contact us to request that they join us as soon as they turn three years of age – without having to wait until the start of the next term. For example, if your child turns three on 22nd May 2025, and you have been offered, and accepted, a place at our school nursery to start in September 2025, if places are available, your child could join us from 22nd May.
Families can choose how their child’s 'eligible' or 'paid' (see below) hours are spread across the school week - this is subject to availability. Please click here to view our All-Day Nursery Provision and Flexible Hours Offer.
- You can personally pay in full for a Rising Three nursery place up to 32.5 hours.
Or - From September 2025, the government is offering up to 30 hours of free childcare for eligible working families in England with a 2-year-old child. This offer is also available to families with a 3-year-old child who is not yet eligible for mainstream nursery (the school term after their third birthday). This funding must be applied for through the government’s Best Start in Life Parent Hub and, if successful, you will be given an eligibility code that you must share with the school.
- A full-time nursery place for your child equates to 32.5 hours. Families can pay the school directly for the additional 2.5 hours at a cost of £12 per hour.
Requests for Rising Three nursery places can be made to our admissions officer via admissions@hillcross.merton.sch.uk. This will be confirmed after your child's place in our nursery has been confirmed by the Local Authority, and we have received a valid Working Family Eligibility Code (if applicable).
