Nurseries in Reading
Reading is a major Berkshire town with excellent transport links, diverse neighbourhoods and strong demand for childcare. Covering postcode districts RG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, RG6 and RG30–RG31, the town includes areas such as Caversham, Earley, Tilehurst, Whitley and Central Reading. Families benefit from Elizabeth line services, fast trains to London Paddington, and easy access to the M4 and A33. The town offers parks, riverside walks, leisure centres, museums, libraries and excellent school options. Reading’s large population, thriving tech and business sectors and busy commuter routes create high and consistent demand for nursery places, particularly in Caversham, Earley and Central Reading.
Parents in Reading typically pay £80 per day for childcare, which is slightly 7% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £80
- Comparison
- +7% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 11,088 places
Nurseries near you in Reading
Not registered with Nuuri
Not registered with Nuuri
Frequently Asked Questions
In Reading, private nurseries often accept children from around 3 months old. School nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education normally begins the term after your child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household or work circumstances.
All 3 and 4 year olds in England receive 15 funded hours per week, and many working families can claim up to 30 hours. Some 2 year olds also qualify for funded childcare, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old may receive funded hours. Tax Free Childcare can add a 20 percent top up towards fees.
Nursery fees in Reading typically range from £75–£140 per day, with higher rates in Caversham and Earley due to commuter demand and strong schools.
All nurseries in Reading are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by the local unitary authority.
Ask about outdoor space, access to local parks or riverside walks, staff retention, how funded hours are structured and any extra charges for meals or consumables.
Applying for funding
Reading is covered by Reading Borough Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Reading Borough Council website
