Nurseries in Leicestershire
Leicestershire is a centrally located East Midlands county known for its mix of vibrant market towns, rural villages and strong commuter links to Leicester, Nottingham and Birmingham. Covering key postcode districts LE1–LE19 and parts of LE65–LE67, it includes Loughborough, Hinckley, Coalville, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray and surrounding areas. Families benefit from excellent road connections via the M1, M69 and A6, regular rail services into Leicester and London St Pancras, and a wide choice of parks, countryside, children’s centres and well-rated primary schools. Demand for nursery and preschool places is consistently high in commuter areas such as Loughborough and Market Harborough, as well as growing suburbs around Leicester.
Parents in Leicestershire typically pay £68 per day for childcare, which is slightly 10% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £68
- Comparison
- -10% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 15,434 places
Nurseries near you in Leicestershire
nuuri registered
40 places
Ages 1 months to 57 months
3 / 4 inspection score
17 May 2022
nuuri registered
135 places
Ages 1 months to 5 years
4 / 4 inspection score
29 January 2025
nuuri registered
61 places
Ages 18 months to 5 years
3 / 4 inspection score
7 June 2023
nuuri registered
74 places
Ages 1 months to 5 years
3 / 4 inspection score
25 June 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
In Leicestershire, private nurseries typically welcome children from around 3 months old, although this varies by provider. School-based or council nurseries generally offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after your child turns 3, with earlier eligibility for some 2 year olds depending on family circumstances or work status.
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 Leicestershire generally range from £55–£115 per day, with higher rates typically found in Loughborough, Market Harborough and areas close to Leicester’s commuter routes.
All nurseries in Leicestershire are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding administered by Leicestershire County Council.
Ask about staff ratios and qualifications, outdoor play space, meal options, how funded hours are offered, any additional charges and how the nursery supports transitions into primary school.
Applying for funding
Leicestershire is covered by Leicestershire County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Leicestershire County Council website
