Nurseries in Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and a vibrant urban region known for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, excellent transport connections and wide range of childcare options. Covering postcode districts CF3–CF24 and CF5, CF10–CF15, the area includes communities such as Roath, Canton, Pontcanna, Penylan, Llanishen, Ely, Llandaff, Rhiwbina, Cardiff Bay, St Mellons and the city centre. Families benefit from access to parks, libraries, cultural venues, community hubs, strong primary schools and commuter links across South Wales and the M4 corridor. Nursery and preschool demand remains high in busy neighbourhoods such as Pontcanna, Llandaff, Llanishen and Cardiff Bay.
Parents in Cardiff typically pay £72 per day for childcare, which is slightly 5% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £72
- Comparison
- -5% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 297 places
Nurseries near you in Cardiff
nuuri registered
90 places
Ages 3 months to 5 years
3 / 4 inspection score
5 December 0024
nuuri registered
86 places
Ages 1 months to 5 years
3.75 / 4 inspection score
29 November 2022
nuuri registered
56 places
Ages 3 months to 5 years
2.75 / 4 inspection score
20 July 2023
nuuri registered
21 places
Ages 1 months to 5 years
4 / 4 inspection score
16 August 2022
nuuri registered
44 places
Ages 1 months to 5 years
3.5 / 4 inspection score
22 February 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Private nurseries in Cardiff typically accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and availability. Local authority settings usually begin from age 3 for funded early education places, depending on eligibility and the term after the child's birthday.
In Wales, eligible working parents of 3 and 4 year olds can access up to 30 hours of government-funded childcare per week during term time (made up of early education and childcare hours). Some 2 year olds may also qualify for Flying Start childcare depending on postcode eligibility. Funding can be used in approved nurseries, playgroups and childminders. Parents may also use Tax-Free Childcare, which provides a 20% top-up on childcare costs up to £2,000 per child per year.
Private nursery fees in Cardiff generally range from £55–£75 per day, with higher rates in central and high-demand areas such as Pontcanna, Llandaff, Cardiff Bay and Roath. More suburban areas may offer slightly lower rates but can have waiting lists depending on demand.
All nurseries in Cardiff are regulated by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), which oversees inspections, quality and compliance.
Ask about outdoor play access, how funded hours are delivered, meal and snack arrangements, staff ratios, key worker systems, flexible booking patterns, and waiting list times—especially in high-demand neighbourhoods like Llandaff, Pontcanna, Canton and Cardiff Bay.
Applying for funding
Cardiff is covered by Cardiff City Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Cardiff City Council website
