Nurseries in Preston
Preston is one of Lancashire’s fastest-growing cities, with strong transport links, a large student population and a high concentration of family neighbourhoods. Covering PR1–PR5, it includes Fulwood, Ashton, Lea, Ribbleton and city-centre areas. Families benefit from access to parks, libraries, museums, children’s centres, the University of Central Lancashire campus and excellent rail connectivity. Nursery demand is consistently high due to rapid housing growth and commuter routes into Manchester and the wider North West.
Market insights for Preston
Parents in Preston typically pay £67 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 5,580 childcare places available across Preston, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Preston.
- Average daily cost
- £67
- Comparison
- -10% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 5,580 places
Nurseries near you in Preston
Frequently asked questions
In Preston, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and space. School and council-run settings usually offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after your child turns 3, with some 2 year olds qualifying earlier depending on circumstances.
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 Preston generally range from £50–£95 per day, with higher rates in popular commuter areas such as Fulwood and Ashton.
All nurseries in Preston are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Lancashire County Council.
Ask about outdoor play spaces, staff ratios, how funded hours are delivered, meal costs, opening hours, and how the nursery supports early learning and development.
Applying for funding
Preston is covered by Lancashire County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Lancashire County Council websiteThe UK's nursery search platform, built for modern parents
Find nurseries near you
Search by location, filter by age group, hours, and (Ofsted, Care Inspectorate Scotland, and Care Inspectorate Wales). Get a clearer picture before you commit to a visit.
Work out what you'll pay
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Get guidance from childcare experts
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