Nurseries in Dartford
Dartford is a busy commuter town on the edge of Greater London, popular with families for its transport links, new housing developments and access to major retail and leisure destinations. Covering postcode districts DA1–DA4, the area includes Dartford Town Centre, Greenhithe, Stone and Wilmington. Families benefit from fast trains to London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street, as well as immediate access to the M25, A2 and Bluewater Shopping Centre. Parks, country walks and excellent schools add to Dartford’s family appeal. Childcare demand is high across the borough, especially in new-build communities and areas close to transport hubs.
Parents in Dartford typically pay £92 per day for childcare, which is significantly 22% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £92
- Comparison
- +22% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 4,243 places
Nurseries near you in Dartford
Not registered with Nuuri
Frequently Asked Questions
In Dartford, private nurseries generally accept children from around 3 months old depending on staffing and availability. School and council nurseries usually offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education typically begins the term after a child turns 3, with earlier eligibility for some 2-year-olds or working families.
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England can access 15 hours of funded childcare each week during term time, with many working families eligible for 30 hours. Some 2-year-olds may also qualify based on financial or personal circumstances, and working parents of children from 9 months old can receive funded hours. Tax-Free Childcare also provides a 20 percent top-up.
Nursery fees in Dartford typically range from £70–£120 per day, with higher rates around new developments such as Ebbsfleet Garden City.
All nurseries in Dartford are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Kent County Council.
Ask about staff ratios, outdoor facilities, access to parks, funded hours availability, waiting list length and any additional charges for meals, consumables or extended days.
Applying for funding
Dartford is covered by Kent County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Kent County Council website
