Nurseries in Cheshire
Cheshire is a popular North West county known for its mix of historic cities, market towns, affluent commuter areas and growing family communities. Covering postcode districts CW1–CW12, CH1–CH4, WA1–WA16 and SK9–SK12, it includes Chester, Crewe, Nantwich, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Congleton, Northwich, Ellesmere Port, Winsford and many surrounding villages. Families benefit from strong transport links including the M6, M56 and A34, as well as rail services to Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London. The county offers National Trust estates, woodlands, parks, children’s centres, libraries, zoos, museums and highly regarded primary schools. Nursery and preschool demand is especially strong across Chester, Wilmslow, Knutsford and commuter belts close to Manchester and Liverpool.
Parents in Cheshire typically pay £66 per day for childcare, which is slightly 12% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £66
- Comparison
- -12% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 24,365 places
Nurseries near you in Cheshire
nuuri registered
50 places
Ages 3 months to 5 years
3 / 4 inspection score
18 October 2019
nuuri registered
33 places
Ages 1 months to 4 years
3 / 4 inspection score
10 January 2023
nuuri registered
72 places
Ages 3 months to 5 years
3 / 4 inspection score
17 May 2024
nuuri registered
45 places
Ages 3 months to 5 years
4 / 4 inspection score
4 August 2022
nuuri registered
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75 places
Ages 1 months to 4 years
4 / 4 inspection score
11 February 2020
nuuri registered
60 places
Ages 6 months to 5 years
4 / 4 inspection score
11 August 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
In Cheshire, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing ratios and availability. School and council nurseries usually offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after your child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household circumstances or work status.
Across England all 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours per week, with many working families eligible for up to 30 hours. Some 2 year olds also qualify based on household circumstances, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old may access funded childcare. Tax-Free Childcare provides a 20 percent government top-up to help with nursery costs.
Nursery fees in Cheshire generally range from £60–£135 per day. Highest rates are found in Wilmslow, Knutsford, Chester and affluent commuter towns, while Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Winsford tend to offer more accessible pricing.
All nurseries in Cheshire are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding administered by Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West & Chester Council.
Ask about outdoor play areas, links with local parks, staff turnover, how funded hours are delivered, and any extra fees for meals, consumables, trips, or extended-hours care.
Applying for funding
Cheshire falls within both Cheshire East Council's and Cheshire West and Chester Council's areas. You can apply for early years funding from either council by visiting their websites.
