Nurseries in Ashford
Ashford is a rapidly growing Kent town popular with families for its strong transport links, modern developments and good access to countryside and coastal areas. Covering postcode districts TN23, TN24, TN25 and TN26, it includes areas such as Ashford Town Centre, Kennington, Willesborough and Kingsnorth. The town benefits from HS1 services to London St Pancras, making it highly attractive to commuting families, as well as easy road access via the M20. Families enjoy amenities including Victoria Park, Conningbrook Lakes, Ashford Designer Outlet, local leisure centres and nearby villages with extensive green space. Childcare demand is consistently strong across Ashford, especially around new housing developments and areas with fast rail connections.
Parents in Ashford typically pay £75 per day for childcare, which is lower than the UK average of £75 per day.
- Average Daily Cost
- £75
- Comparison
- Same as UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 1,432 places
Nurseries near you in Ashford
Frequently Asked Questions
In Ashford, private nurseries usually accept children from around 3 months old depending on availability. School and council nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child’s 3rd birthday, with earlier eligibility available for some 2-year-olds or children of working parents.
In England, all 3 and 4-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded early education per week, rising to 30 hours for many working families. Some 2-year-olds are also eligible based on income or circumstances, and working parents of children from 9 months old can access funded childcare. Families can also use Tax-Free Childcare, which adds a 20 percent government top-up.
Nursery fees in Ashford typically range from £65–£115 per day, with slightly higher rates around new developments and areas close to Ashford International station.
All nurseries in Ashford are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Kent County Council.
Ask about outdoor space, staff retention, access to local parks, how funded hours are offered and any additional charges for meals, nappies or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
Ashford is covered by Kent County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Kent County Council website
