Nurseries in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a major coastal town on the South Coast, known for its beaches, family-friendly neighbourhoods and excellent transport links. With strong commuter access to Poole, Christchurch and major employers across Dorset, demand for nursery and preschool places is consistently high. Families benefit from parks, seafront walks, children’s centres, libraries and good primary schools.
Parents in Bournemouth typically pay £74 per day for childcare, which is slightly 2% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £74
- Comparison
- -2% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 6,742 places
Nurseries near you in Bournemouth
Frequently Asked Questions
In Bournemouth, private nurseries typically take children from around 3 months old, with school and council nurseries offering places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household circumstances or parent work status.
Across England all 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours, with many working families eligible for 30 hours. Some 2 year olds qualify based on household needs, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months may access funded childcare. Tax Free Childcare provides a 20 percent top up towards nursery fees.
Nursery fees in Bournemouth generally range between £65–£135 per day, reflecting strong local demand and coastal location.
All nurseries in Bournemouth are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by BCP Council.
Ask about outdoor play areas, funded hour delivery, staff turnover, daily routines and any charges for meals, trips or extended care.
Applying for funding
Bournemouth is covered by Dorset Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Dorset Council website
