Nurseries in South Shields
South Shields is the largest town in South Tyneside, known for its award-winning coastline, Marine Park, The Customs House arts venue and vibrant town centre. Popular with families due to strong transport links, good schools and access to beaches, parks and children’s centres, the area offers a wide range of nursery and preschool options. Demand is particularly strong in neighbourhoods close to the coast, new housing developments and Metro stations.
Parents in South Shields typically pay £78 per day for childcare, which is slightly 3% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £78
- Comparison
- +3% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 917 places
Nurseries near you in South Shields
Frequently Asked Questions
In South Shields, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old. School and council nurseries usually offer places from age 2 or 3. All children can access funded early education from the term after their third birthday, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier based on income 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 South Shields generally range from £50–£95 per day, with higher rates close to the seafront and in newer residential areas.
All nurseries and early years settings in South Shields are regulated by Ofsted, with funded hours overseen by South Tyneside Council.
Ask about outdoor play areas, access to the beach or parks, staff retention, how funded hours are delivered and any extra charges for meals, nappies, trips or extended care.
Applying for funding
South Shields is covered by South Tyneside Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the South Tyneside Council website
