Nurseries in East Dorset
East Dorset includes Ferndown, Verwood, Wimborne and surrounding villages, offering safe family communities, excellent schools and easy access to Bournemouth and Poole. Demand for early years places is strong, especially in commuter areas and growing residential neighbourhoods.
Parents in East Dorset typically pay £75 per day for childcare, which is lower than the UK average of £75 per day.
- Average Daily Cost
- £75
- Comparison
- Same as UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 1,333 places
Nurseries near you in East Dorset
Frequently Asked Questions
Nurseries in East Dorset usually take children from around 3 months old. School nurseries often offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded hours begin the term after a child turns 3, with earlier eligibility for some 2 year olds depending on household need.
All 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours, with many working families eligible for 30 hours. Some 2 year olds qualify based on household circumstances, and eligible working parents of 9-month-olds may access funded childcare.
Nursery costs in East Dorset generally range from £60–£120 per day, depending on location and provision.
All nurseries are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding managed by Dorset Council.
Ask about outdoor access, curriculum approach, funded patterns, communication with parents and any additional fees.
Applying for funding
East Dorset is covered by Dorset Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Dorset Council website
