Step 1: Understand Your Needs

Before you dive into your search, think about what matters most to you:

• Location – near home, work or a commuter route like the M62?
• Hours – many Liverpool nurseries open 7.30 am‑6 pm, but shift‑friendly settings around the city’s hospitals offer extended hours.
• Type of care – play‑based, Montessori, forest‑school style?
• Budget – Liverpool is one of the UK’s more affordable cities for childcare, with average full‑time fees around **£1,050 a month
• Funded hours – check what you’re entitled to (see Step 4).

Step 2: Research Your Options

• Online platforms – use tools like Nuuri to compare nurseries, browse photos and read parent reviews.
• Council listings – Liverpool City Council’s Family Information & SEND Directory lists every registered nursery, childminder and out‑of‑school club, plus advice on costs and funding.
• Early Help Information Service – call 0800 085 2022 (option 2) if you need brokerage support to find a place.
• Word of mouth – local Facebook groups such as Liverpool Parent Network are gold mines for first‑hand feedback.
• Ofsted reports – use Ofsted’s “search & compare” tool to check inspection grades and read the latest reports.

Step 3: Visit Nurseries in Person

A visit is essential for getting a feel for the environment:

• Atmosphere – is it welcoming, clean and safe?
• Staff interaction – warm, attentive and encouraging?
• Activities – a balance of free play, structured learning and plenty of outdoor time (Liverpool nurseries often make good use of nearby parks like Sefton Park and Calderstones).
• Facilities – room layouts, sleep spaces, menus, outdoor areas.

Pro tip: take a checklist of questions. For example:

• What is the staff‑to‑child ratio in each room?
• How do you accommodate allergies or medical needs?
• Do you use an app to share daily updates with parents?
• Is there a joining fee or waiting‑list deposit?

Step 4: Understand Fees, Funding & Waiting Lists

Liverpool’s most popular nurseries—notably in Aigburth, Allerton and Mossley Hill—can have waiting lists of 12‑18 months, so register early (some accept names from the twenty‑week scan!).

Funding Snapshot (England)

Child’s Age	Hours per week	Roll‑out dates
3‑4 years	15 hrs universal (all) + 15 hrs for eligible working parents	Now
2 years	15 hrs for eligible working parents	Started Apr 2024
9 mos‑2 yrs	15 hrs for eligible working parents	From Sep 2024
9 mos‑4 yrs	30 hrs for eligible working parents	From Sep 2025

Combine this with Tax‑Free Childcare (20 % top‑up) or Universal Credit childcare if you qualify.

Most nurseries ask for a deposit (typically £100‑£200) and a month’s fees in advance. Double‑check what’s included—nappies, formula, trips—and whether there are charges for late pick‑ups.

Step 5: Trust Your Instincts

You know your child best. If a nursery feels right—and your little one seems relaxed during a settling‑in visit—it probably is. Don’t ignore your gut if something feels off.

Why Use Nuuri to Find a Nursery in Liverpool?

Nuuri simplifies your search by bringing all your options into one easy‑to‑use platform. You can:

• Browse photos, virtual tours and fee info in one place
• Compare settings by location, opening hours and ratings
• Filter for funded‑hour availability, SEND experience and outdoor space
• Enquire directly without juggling phone calls and emails

By streamlining the admin, Nuuri lets you focus on choosing the nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

Ready to begin? Start your Liverpool nursery search at nuuri.co.uk today.