Nurseries in Manchester
Manchester is the core city of Greater Manchester, known for its vibrant culture, employment opportunities and excellent transport links. Popular neighbourhoods for families include Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington, Ancoats and the city centre. The city has high nursery demand, particularly around MediaCity, Oxford Road and family suburbs in South Manchester.
Market insights for Manchester
Parents in Manchester typically pay £68 per day for childcare, which is slightly 10% lower than the UK average of £75 per day. This pricing reflects local market conditions, including operational costs, demand levels, and regional economic factors that influence childcare provision. With 18,821 childcare places available across Manchester, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Manchester.
- Average daily cost
- £68
- Comparison
- -10% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 18,821 places
Nurseries near you in Manchester
- Tiddlywinks Nursery Clayton
- Tiny Steps Nursery
- Bright Horizons at Trafford
- Bright Horizons Didsbury Day Nursery and Preschool
- Didsbury Childminding
- Didsbury Childminding @ Broad Oak
- Bright Horizons Astley Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Sale Day Nursery and Preschool
- Tiddlywinks Nursery Ancoats
- Kidzrus Nursery Media City
- Tiddlywinks Nursery Crumpsall
- Tiddlywinks Nursery Higher Blackley
- Tiddlywinks Nursery Blackley
- Manchester Settlement
- Brighter Beginnings Wetherby Street
- Your Nursery Ltd
- Happy Kids Heybury Close
- Early Inspirations
- Tiny Turtles Daycare
- Lemon Tree Manchester Ltd
- Ardwick Day Nursery
- Tiny Turtles Daycare
- Merry Kidz Day Nursery Beswick
- Milkyway Preschool Playgroup
- Longsight Nursery
- Anson Cabin Project
- Dryden Street Nursery
- First Steps Day Nursery
- Future Shapers Preschool & Wraparound Care
- Brighter Beginnings
Frequently asked questions
In Manchester, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, with school nurseries generally offering places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child’s 3rd birthday.
In England, all 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours each week, with many working families eligible for 30 hours. Some 2 year olds and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old can also access funded hours. Tax-Free Childcare offers a 20% government top-up on childcare spend.
Manchester nursery fees usually range from £55–£90 per day, with the highest rates around the city centre, Didsbury, Chorlton and MediaCity.
All nurseries in Manchester are regulated by Ofsted and early years funding is managed by Manchester City Council.
Ask about outdoor space, meals, availability of funded hours, waiting list times and how children are supported to learn through play.
Applying for funding
Manchester is covered by Manchester City Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Manchester City Council websiteThe UK's nursery search platform, built for modern parents
Find events near you
Discover open days, taster sessions and events at nurseries near you. Find the right time to visit and see a setting in action before you decide.
Work out what you'll pay
Childcare costs and government funding can be confusing. Our calculator cuts through it and shows you what to expect each month.
Get guidance from childcare experts
Our advice hub walks you through every stage of the process, so you know when to start looking and exactly what to ask when you visit.