Nurseries in Colchester
Colchester is a historic and fast-growing Essex city known for its vibrant communities, cultural attractions and excellent family amenities. Covering postcode districts CO1–CO4, it includes Colchester Town Centre, Highwoods, Lexden, Stanway and Greenstead. Families benefit from rail links to London Liverpool Street, as well as access to the A12 and the surrounding countryside. Popular family destinations include Castle Park, High Woods Country Park, Colchester Zoo and extensive playgrounds and leisure venues. With significant housing development and large family populations, childcare demand is strong across Colchester, particularly in areas near popular schools and commuter routes.
Parents in Colchester typically pay £73 per day for childcare, which is slightly 3% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £73
- Comparison
- -3% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 3,811 places
Nurseries near you in Colchester
Frequently Asked Questions
In Colchester, private nurseries generally accept children from around 3 months old. 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 possible for some 2-year-olds or working parents.
Children aged 3 and 4 in England receive 15 funded hours per week during term time, and many working families can access 30 hours. Some 2-year-olds qualify based on household circumstances, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old can also receive funded childcare. Tax-Free Childcare provides a 20 percent saving on costs.
Nursery fees in Colchester typically range from £60–£120 per day, with areas such as Highwoods and Stanway at the higher end due to strong demand.
All nurseries in Colchester are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding administered by Essex County Council.
Ask about outdoor areas, trips to parks such as Castle Park or High Woods, the learning approach, funded hours structure and any extra fees for meals or consumables.
Applying for funding
Colchester is covered by Essex County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Essex County Council website
