Nurseries in Plymouth
Plymouth is a major South West city with strong employment centres, universities, naval facilities and family communities. Covering postcode districts PL1–PL9, it offers a large number of nurseries, preschools and childminders with high demand in family neighbourhoods such as Plymstock, Plympton, Mannamead and Stoke. Families benefit from city parks, waterfront attractions, libraries, children’s centres and good transport links across Devon and Cornwall.
Parents in Plymouth typically pay £75 per day for childcare, which is lower than the UK average of £75 per day.
- Average Daily Cost
- £75
- Comparison
- Same as UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 5,732 places
Nurseries near you in Plymouth
Frequently Asked Questions
In Plymouth, 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 Plymouth generally range from £55–£115 per day, with higher prices in central areas, Plymstock, Derriford and neighbourhoods close to hospitals and major employers.
All nurseries in Plymouth are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Plymouth City Council.
Ask about opening hours that suit shift work, staff turnover, parking at drop-off, how flexible funded hours are, and whether meals or extra activities incur additional charges.
Applying for funding
Plymouth is covered by Plymouth City Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Plymouth City Council website
