Nurseries in Kendal
Kendal is a popular Lake District market town with strong family appeal, offering a mix of nurseries, forest schools, children’s centres, parks and highly regarded primary schools. Demand is consistently high in areas such as Oxenholme, Kirkland, Heron Hill and the town centre, driven by young families and commuters travelling to Lancaster and Manchester.
Parents in Kendal typically pay £73 per day for childcare, which is slightly 3% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £73
- Comparison
- -3% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 333 places
Nurseries near you in Kendal
Frequently Asked Questions
Private nurseries in Kendal usually accept children from around 3 months, while school nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded hours begin the term after a child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier.
All 3 and 4 year olds in England receive 15 funded hours weekly, and many working families can access up to 30 hours. Some 2 year olds qualify earlier, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months may access funded childcare. Tax-Free Childcare supports families with a 20 percent contribution to fees.
Fees in Kendal typically range between £55–£95 per day, with forest school settings and outdoor-focused nurseries at the higher end.
Nurseries in Kendal are regulated by Ofsted, with funding managed by Westmorland & Furness Council.
Ask about outdoor provision, forest school participation, staff retention, funded hours delivery and any extra charges for meals or activities.
Applying for funding
Kendal is covered by Cumberland Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Cumberland Council website
