Finding a Nursery in Hampshire: A Step‑by‑Step Guide for Parents

Finding a Nursery in Hampshire
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By Steven Clarke
Page updated 30 July 2025

Reading time: 4 minutes

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.

Find nurseries near you

Your location

Age range of children

Step 1: Understand Your Needs

Before you dive in, think about what matters most:

  • Location – close to home, your commute on the M3/A34 or near grandparents?

  • Hours – most Hampshire nurseries run 7.30 am – 6 pm, but shift‑friendly settings near hospitals in Southampton and Basingstoke open earlier or finish later.

  • Type of care – traditional play‑based, Montessori, or an outdoor forest‑school approach (plentiful around the New Forest and South Downs).

  • Budget – Hampshire sits in the pricier South East; full‑time fees average £1,310 a month (£302 a week for 50 hours).

  • Funded hours – see what you can claim (Step 4).

Step 2: Research Your Options

  • Online platforms – use Nuuri to compare nurseries, fee info and parent reviews.

  • Council listings – Hampshire County Council’s Family Information & Services Hub lists every registered nursery, childminder and out‑of‑school club. Call 0300 555 1384 for brokerage help.

  • Word of mouth – Facebook groups like Hampshire Parents or local Winchester & District Families share first‑hand experiences.

  • Ofsted reports – search by postcode to read inspection grades and actions.

  • Open days – many nurseries host Saturday tours—handy if you’re commuting during the week.

Step 3: Visit Short‑Listed Nurseries

During a visit, look for:

  • Atmosphere – welcoming, clean, safe?

  • Staff interaction – warm, on the child’s level.

  • Activities – balance of free play and structured learning, plus plenty of outdoor time (many settings make weekly trips to Moors Valley or Holly Hill).

  • Facilities – sleep rooms, nappy‑change areas, menus, gardens.

Bring a checklist; ask about staff ratios, allergy procedures, parent‑app updates, deposits, and waiting‑list length.

Step 4: Fees, Funding & Waiting Lists

Typical costs

  • Registration fee £50–£150

  • Deposit one month’s fees (£1,200–£1,400)

  • Late pick‑up charges £5–£10 per 5 minutes

Hampshire’s most sought‑after nurseries—especially in Winchester, Petersfield and commuter hotspots around Farnborough—can have waiting lists of 12–18 months, so join early (some accept names from your 20‑week scan).

Funding snapshot (England)

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

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

Step 5: Trust Your Instincts

If a nursery feels right—and your child settles during a taster session—trust that feeling. Equally, walk away if anything seems off.

Why Use Nuuri to Find a Nursery in Hampshire?

Nuuri cuts the admin by letting you:

  • Browse photos, virtual tours and fee structures in one place

  • Compare settings by opening hours, outdoor space and SEND provision

  • Filter for funded‑hour availability, forest‑school approaches and baby‑room ratios

  • Enquire directly without juggling phone calls

Ready to start? Begin your Hampshire nursery search at nuuri.co.uk today.