Application process
Follow the information below to understand who can apply for a University Workplace Nursery, how waiting lists work and what happens once you’re offered a place.
Who can apply?
University Workplace Nursery places are available to:
- University staff (including contracted and payroll staff)
- College staff
- Staff of associated institutions (e.g. Cambridge Enterprise, ADC Theatre, University Farm)
- University of Cambridge students
Before you apply
You are encouraged to:
- Read about each nursery
- Review fee information
- Check eligibility for the Workplace Nurseries Salary Exchange Scheme (staff only) and Early Years Funding
How to apply
- Submit your application
Applications can be made once your child is born, and up to 6 months before your employment or course start date - Choose your sessions
You can request between 1 and 5 full days per week (8:00–18:00).- Requests for 3+ days must include a Monday or Friday
- You can update your preferences at any time
- Complete the relevant form
- Staff and students must complete the appropriate application form
- Additional documentation may be required (e.g. contract or tutor signature)
- Pay the application fee
A £10 non-refundable application fee is required. Please click here to process your Payment. - Confirmation
Once processed, you will receive an email confirming your place on the waiting list.
After you apply: how places are allocated
Applications are assessed using a points-based system, which considers factors such as:
- Employment or student status
- Siblings already attending a University Workplace Nursery
- Return from parental leave
- Multiple births or applications for more than one child
- Additional needs or disabilities
- Location and nursery preference
If applications have equal priority, places are allocated based on length of service (for staff) or application date (for students).
Points score table
| Staff Access Criteria | Points Score |
| Applicant holds a University/CUPA contract of employment | 5 |
| Applicant’s partner working at the University/CUPA with a contract of employment | 5 |
| Applicant and/or applicant’s partner works at a college or applicant’s partner is a registered student at University of Cambridge | 3 |
| Applicant is returning to work in the University, CUPA or a college after maternity/shared parental/adoption leave * (removed 2 months after return to work) | 7 |
| If one or more siblings currently hold a place | 8 |
| If places are required for twins or triplets | 8 |
| If child has a disability | 7 |
| If places are required for more than one child (of different ages) | 3 |
| If applying for only one of the 4 nurseries and you live in the catchment area | 2 |
| Edwinstowe Close – Chaucer Road, Edwinstowe Close, Chaucer Close, South Acre Drive; West Cambridge – Charles Babbage Road, JJ Thomson Avenue; Eddington – Any accommodation on the Eddington site; Chris Abell Nursery - Harrison Drive | |
| Student Access Criteria | Points Score |
| Applicant is a registered student at the University of Cambridge | 40** |
| Applicant’s partner is a student at the University of Cambridge | 5 |
| Applicant’s partner is an employee of the University, CUPA or a college | 3 |
| Student is resuming study after having a baby or adopting a child | 7 |
| If one or more siblings currently hold a place | 8 |
| If places are required for twins or triplets | 8 |
| If child has a disability | 7 |
| If places are required for more than one child (of different ages) | 3 |
| If applying for only one of the 4 nurseries and you live in the catchment area | 2 |
| Edwinstowe Close - Chaucer Road, Edwinstowe Close, South Acre Drive; West Cambridge – Charles Babbage Road, JJ Thomson Avenue; Eddington – Any accommodation on the Eddington site; The Chris Abell Nursery - Harrison Drive |
All applications are held on a central waiting list system, which is accessible to nursery teams. Each nursery is responsible for allocating its own places and will contact you directly if a suitable place becomes available.
Important information
- Submitting an application does not guarantee a place. We recommend exploring alternative childcare options alongside your application
- Waiting times vary depending on demand, child’s age and sessions requested
- You may remain on the waiting list for alternative nurseries if your child is already placed at a University Workplace Nursery - Please contact childcareservices@admin.cam.ac.uk to arrange this
- We recommend exploring alternative childcare options alongside your application
- You can only apply for children for whom you have parental responsibility
Next steps
- Read the Staff Information Sheet or Student Information Sheet
- Complete the Staff Application Form or Student Application Form
- Submit your application and pay your fee to join the waiting list
Considering a community place?
Please contact individual nurseries directly to enquire about availability.