Starting Nursery or School

Starting Nursery

Children can start nursery the term after their third birthday, usually for five mornings or five afternoons per week. You can register your interest by completing an online form from our School Admissions department when your child is approaching 2 years. They will then write to you to let you know when to apply:

Register your interest for a nursery place

Church in Wales Aided and Catholic Schools continue to deal with their own admissions to nursery and therefore you will need to contact the school directly to apply.

Find Schools in the Vale

For more information and a list of nursery schools, visit the Nursery Education Admissions page:

Nursery Admissions

Most working parents are eligible to claim help with childcare costs through the Childcare Offer for Wales from the term after their child turns 3. Under this funding you could claim 30 hours of early education and childcare in Wales a week, for up to 48 weeks of the year.

Childcare Offer in the Vale of Glamorgan 

Starting Primary School

Children can start primary school full time in the September following their fourth birthday. 

Each school has a catchment area that it serves. If you are unsure what schools are in your catchment area, enter your postcode:

Parents must express a preference for the school they wish their child to attend. If demand exceeds the number of places available, the catchment children will always take priority. There is an admissions criteria that is followed.

If you would like your child to go to a Voluntary Aided school, you will need to contact the school directly.

Find Schools in the Vale

For more information visit the Primary School Admissions page:

Primary School Admissions

Starting Secondary School

If your child is attending Year 6 of a Vale Primary or Junior School and is due to transfer to a Secondary school in September, you will receive a letter from the relevant admission authority advising you of the process.

For more information visit the Secondary School Admissions page:

Secondary School Admissions

Thinking about Welsh medium education?

If you are thinking about educating your child through the medium of Welsh and want to know more about the support on offer then our web page: 'Your Bilingual Journey’ can help.

Your bilingual journey: From pregnancy to secondary school 

Visit 'Mudiad Meithrin' for detailed information, resources and support for Welsh-medium early years care and education. 

Mudiad Meithrin 

Moving to a school in the Vale of Glamorgan?

If you are moving into the Vale of Glamorgan or would just like to apply for a school within the County, you will need to complete a School Transfer Form.

Vale of Glamorgan School Admissions

Need Childcare?

You may need childcare to care for your child before and after school and during the school holidays. There is flexible childcare available.

Your child's school may run a breakfast and after school club and childminders are available to drop off and pick up from schools.

Search for childcare using the new Childcare Information Wales directory. 

Click here to search and filter by 'school and other pick-up' for your chosen service 

Visit our Choosing Childcare page for more information on choosing childcare, including types of childcare and financial help with childcare costs:

Childcare in the Vale of Glamorgan

Or contact us directly about your childcare needs by completing our online enquiry form. All data will be stored in line with data protection regulations, as set out in the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Privacy Notice. 

Online Enquiry Form