Nurseries in Clapham
Clapham is one of South London’s most popular neighbourhoods for families, known for its lively high streets, large green spaces and excellent transport links. The area spans SW4 with nearby streets in SW2 and SW12. Families benefit from Clapham Common, good schools and a wide choice of nurseries. Clapham has strong transport connections including the Northern line, Overground links from Clapham High Street and multiple bus routes, making it ideal for commuting. Its mix of Victorian terraces, apartments and family homes creates high demand for early years places.
Parents in Clapham typically pay £106 per day for childcare, which is significantly 40% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £106
- Comparison
- +40% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 2,599 places
Nurseries near you in Clapham
Frequently Asked Questions
In Clapham, children can usually start private nursery or day care from around 3 months old. Government-funded early education begins the term after a child’s 3rd birthday, with some younger children eligible earlier depending on criteria or working-parent status.
In England, all 3 and 4-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded early education per week during term time, with many working families eligible for up to 30 hours. There is also funded support for some 2-year-olds based on household circumstances, and entitlement for working parents of children from 9 months old to receive 30 hours per week for eligible families. The exact offer and start dates depend on your child’s age, your work status and when their birthday falls in the school year. Families can also benefit from Tax-Free Childcare if both working parents earn less than £100k per year. For every £8 a parent pays into their online childcare account, the government adds an extra £2 up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year.
Nursery fees in Clapham typically range from £95–£165 per day, especially around Clapham Old Town and Clapham Common. Costs vary depending on age group, hours, meals and extras such as activities or longer days.
Nurseries in Clapham are regulated by Ofsted. Depending on the street, early years funding is overseen by either Lambeth Council or Wandsworth Council.
Ask about outdoor space, access to Clapham Common, staff ratios, waiting lists, how funded hours are applied and any top-up fees. Also enquire about settling-in processes and communication styles.
Applying for funding
Clapham falls within both Lambeth's and Wandsworth's areas. You can apply for early years funding from either council by visiting their websites.
