Nurseries in Maidstone
Maidstone is the county town of Kent, offering a lively centre, excellent schools and strong transport connections. Covering postcode districts ME14, ME15, ME16 and parts of ME17, the area includes Maidstone Town Centre, Bearsted, Allington, Loose and Penenden Heath. Families benefit from rail links to London Victoria, London Bridge and Ashford, as well as easy access to the M20 and A249. Popular family amenities include Mote Park, Leeds Castle, Cobtree Manor Park and the River Medway. With a growing population and a wide range of early years providers, childcare demand is steady, especially in areas with strong school catchments such as Bearsted and Allington.
Parents in Maidstone typically pay £74 per day for childcare, which is slightly 2% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £74
- Comparison
- -2% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 1,802 places
Nurseries near you in Maidstone
Frequently Asked Questions
In Maidstone, private nurseries usually accept children from around 3 months old depending on space and staffing. School and council nurseries often start places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with earlier access available for some 2-year-olds or working parents.
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England receive 15 funded hours per week, and many working families are eligible for 30 hours. Some 2-year-olds may qualify based on household circumstances, and working parents of children from 9 months old can also access funded childcare. Tax-Free Childcare offers a 20 percent top-up to help reduce costs.
Nursery fees in Maidstone typically range from £65–£120 per day, with Bearsted and central Maidstone often at the higher end due to strong demand.
All nurseries in Maidstone are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Kent County Council.
Ask about outdoor space, the learning approach, proximity to parks like Mote Park, funded hours availability and any surcharges for meals, consumables or trips.
Applying for funding
Maidstone is covered by Kent County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Kent County Council website
