Nurseries in North Devon
North Devon offers coastal resorts, rural villages and the regional centre of Barnstaple, with a mix of day nurseries and preschool settings. Covering postcode districts EX31–EX37 and parts of EX39, it includes Barnstaple, Braunton, Ilfracombe, South Molton and surrounding communities. Families benefit from beaches, the North Devon coast, parks, libraries, children’s centres and a strong sense of community. Nursery and preschool demand is high in Barnstaple, Braunton and popular coastal and commuter areas.
Parents in North Devon typically pay £72 per day for childcare, which is slightly 5% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £72
- Comparison
- -5% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 1,151 places
Nurseries near you in North Devon
Frequently Asked Questions
In North Devon, private nurseries often accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and availability. School and council nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after your child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household circumstances or parental 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 North Devon generally range from £55–£105 per day, with higher rates in Barnstaple, Braunton and busy coastal locations where demand is strong in peak seasons.
All nurseries in North Devon are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Devon County Council.
Ask about holiday cover during tourist seasons, outdoor play and beach visits, staff retention, and whether the nursery offers flexible hours for parents working in tourism, healthcare or shift roles.
Applying for funding
North Devon is covered by Devon County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Devon County Council website
