Nurseries in Croydon
Croydon is one of London’s largest and most diverse boroughs, popular with families for its spacious homes, good schools and excellent transport links. Postcodes CR0–CR8 cover areas including East Croydon, South Croydon, Purley, Addiscombe and Thornton Heath. With a significant population of young families and commuters, demand for childcare is consistently high. The borough offers strong rail connections into London Bridge, Victoria and the Elizabeth line at nearby stations, along with trams and extensive bus routes. Families enjoy parks, leisure centres, libraries and cultural venues. Its mix of suburban streets, new developments and vibrant neighbourhoods makes Croydon an attractive and practical area for early years childcare.
Parents in Croydon typically pay £98 per day for childcare, which is significantly 30% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £98
- Comparison
- +30% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 5,319 places
Nurseries near you in Croydon
Frequently Asked Questions
In Croydon, children can start private nursery from around 3 months old, depending on the provider. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with eligibility for some younger children based on household or working-parent criteria.
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 Croydon typically fall between **£65–£120 per day**, depending on the setting, age group and location within the borough.
All nurseries in Croydon are regulated by **Ofsted**, with local policy overseen by **Croydon Council**.
Ask about outdoor space, staff turnover, curriculum approach, how funded hours are delivered and any additional charges for meals or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
Croydon is covered by Croydon Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Croydon Council website
