Welcome to the nuuri advice hub!
Being a new or expecting parent can be overwhelming. We put together the common questions below to give you the key information you need to make the right choice for your child.
Finding a Nursery in Hampshire: A Step‑by‑Step Guide for Parents
From the cathedral city of Winchester to the woodlands of the New Forest, Hampshire offers a broad mix of early‑years settings. Yet with costs edging higher than the national average, and popular nurseries filling up fast, knowing where to start can feel daunting. This guide breaks the process into bite‑sized steps so you can find the right place for your child.
What Age Should My Child Start Nursery?
Choosing when to begin nursery is one of the first big decisions new parents make. Spoiler alert: there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Children can start as early as six weeks at some private nurseries, while others join the year before primary school. The best age depends on a blend of practical needs and your child’s unique readiness. Below, we’ll unpack the key considerations so you can decide with confidence.
How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in England | 2025 Guide
Learn how to apply for free childcare funded hours in England. Step-by-step guide, council links, and important updates for 2025, including funded places from 9 months old.
Nursery Search Checklist
In this article, we’ll provide a checklist of factors to consider and questions to ask when searching and enquiring on Nuuri for the perfect Nursery.
Applying for Government Funded Hours in the UK
Understanding Nursery Costs
Childcare fees have shifted markedly over the past year. The 2024–25 period saw the phased roll‑out of expanded 30‑hour funded childcare for children aged nine months to four years across England.
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FAQs
Being a new or expecting parent can be overwhelming. We put together the common questions below to give you the key information you need to make the right choice for your child.
In the UK, there are several types of children's nurseries, each offering different types of care and educational experiences.
Hours, cost and school holiday opening can vary significantly between day nurseries, preschools, playgroups and alternative nurseries. It's important to understand how they vary before you start your search.
Here are some important points to make sure you consider as part of your nursery search:
Location - is close to home or work most convenient? Are you likely to move house?
Opening times – do they suit around your working commitments?
Age of children – does the nursery offer places for the desired start age of your child?
Inspection reports – does the nursery meet the professional requirements, how do they score?
Digital media – do they have virtual tours, staff interview videos and professional photography?
Nursery costs can vary significantly due to a number of factors:
Location - is close to home or work most convenient? Are you likely to move house?
Age of child – younger children are sometimes more expensive due to the higher number of staff required.
Government support - this can be complex and varies by country within the UK, however it is generally dependent on parents earning and weighted towards older children (3 & 4) years old. Our calculator tool can help!
Days/hours in nursery – some nurseries offer discounts for a certain number of days. Most offer either full or half days, with a minimum commitment per week.
The nuuri childcare costs calculator can help you plan for the future:
Nursery waiting lists can be a stressful hurdle for parents seeking childcare. These lists operate like a queue, often starting at birth or even before, with priority sometimes given to siblings, local families, or those with workplace connections. Demand tends to be highest in urban areas and popular cities like London, Edinburgh, and Bristol, where long waits are common. To improve your chances, apply early, be flexible with days and hours, and stay in touch with the nursery.
Several factors can influence your position on a waiting list. Applying early is key, as is flexibility with your requested schedule. Nurseries often favor full-time and year-round placements. Sibling priority and proximity to the nursery can also play a role. Remember to communicate regularly with the nursery to demonstrate your continued interest. If facing long waits, consider alternative childcare options like childminders or nanny shares while you wait for a nursery spot.
Most recent articles
Understanding Nursery Costs in the UK – Updated 29 July 2025
Childcare fees have shifted markedly over the past year. The 2024–25 period saw the phased roll‑out of expanded 30‑hour funded childcare for children aged nine months to four years across England, alongside enhanced hourly funding rates to providers. While nursery list prices continue to rise with wage and energy pressures, many families now see noticeably lower out‑of‑pocket costs once the new funding is applied.
Finding a Nursery in Liverpool: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Choosing when to begin nursery is one of the first big decisions new parents make. Spoiler alert: there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Children can start as early as six weeks at some private nurseries, while others join the year before primary school. The best age depends on a blend of practical needs and your child’s unique readiness. Below, we’ll unpack the key considerations so you can decide with confidence.
How to Set Up Your Tax‐Free Childcare Account in the UK
So, you’ve secured a nursery place for your wee one? Amazing! Now’s the moment to set up your Tax‐Free Childcare account before that first invoice lands. Spend 20 minutes online, get an instant 20 % top‐up on every £1 you pay toward approved childcare — up to £2,000 a year per child (or £4,000 if they’redisabled). Ready?
How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in Wales
Learn how to apply for the Childcare Offer for Wales. Up to 30 hours of free childcare for 3–4-year-olds. Includes council links and Flying Start info.
Nursery Funded Hours in Scotland: What You Need to Know
Learn how to apply for the 1,140 hours of free nursery-funded early learning and childcare in Scotland. Get local council-specific guidance and eligibility tips.
Rising Nursery Fees in the UK: How Government NI Increases Are Impacting Your Wallet
Nursery fee increases have become a hot topic among parents across the UK, with many commenting online in parent forums and groups about the noticeable rise in costs.
Government Support for Nursery Childcare in the UK – 2025 Update
Stay up to date with the latest UK government support for nursery childcare in 2025. Learn about free early education, tax-free childcare, Universal Credit, and funding schemes in Scotland, England, and Wales to help families manage costs effectively.
Home vs. Work: How to Choose the Best Nursery Location for Your Family
Discover the benefits and challenges of choosing a nursery close to home versus near your workplace, key questions to guide your decision, and tips to simplify the process with Nuuri.
Finding a Nursery in Edinburgh: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect nursery in Edinburgh. Explore tips on assessing needs, researching options, visiting nurseries, managing costs, and leveraging tools like Nuuri to simplify the process and choose the best fit for your child’s early development.
Government Support - 2024
Childcare costs can be a significant burden for families, but the UK government offers various forms of financial support to help parents manage these expenses.
Waiting lists
Understanding how nursery waiting lists work, how they are managed, and what factors influence your place on the list is key to making informed decisions and preparing ahead
For more articles, see our All Articles page.