Nurseries in Darwen
Darwen is a mill-town community south of Blackburn, popular with families for its green space, hillside neighbourhoods and strong local identity. Covering BB3, it includes Whitehall, Sunnyhurst and Hoddlesden. Families benefit from parks, reservoirs, walking routes, libraries, children’s centres and transport links to Blackburn and Bolton. Nursery demand is steady and supported by high-density residential zones.
Parents in Darwen typically pay £68 per day for childcare, which is slightly 9% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £68
- Comparison
- -9% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 533 places
Nurseries near you in Darwen
Frequently Asked Questions
In Darwen, private nurseries usually accept children from around 3 months old. School and council-run nurseries generally offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after age 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on family circumstances.
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 Darwen generally range from £45–£85 per day.
All nurseries in Darwen are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Ask about hillside site safety, outdoor access, funded hours availability, staff ratios and how the nursery supports personal and social development.
Applying for funding
Darwen is covered by Lancashire County Council / Blackburn with Darwen Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Lancashire County Council / Blackburn with Darwen Council website
