Nurseries in Ipswich
Ipswich is Suffolk’s largest town and a major hub for families seeking a wide choice of early years provision. With strong transport links via the A12, A14 and direct rail to London Liverpool Street, it attracts many commuter families. The town offers parks, waterfront areas, museums, children’s centres and a wide mix of nurseries and preschools across its neighbourhoods.
Parents in Ipswich typically pay £67 per day for childcare, which is slightly 10% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £67
- Comparison
- -10% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 5,569 places
Nurseries near you in Ipswich
Frequently Asked Questions
In Suffolk, private nurseries typically accept babies from around 3 months old depending on availability and staffing. School-based and council-linked nurseries usually offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household income, special educational needs or working family criteria.
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 Suffolk generally range from £55–£120 per day, with higher rates in areas such as Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and coastal towns like Felixstowe and Southwold.
All nurseries in Suffolk are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Suffolk County Council.
Ask about outdoor space, access to countryside or coastal areas, staff ratios, how funded hours are delivered, and whether there are additional charges for meals, nappies, trips or extended care.
Applying for funding
Ipswich is covered by Suffolk County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Suffolk County Council website
