Nurseries in Southampton
Southampton is a major port city offering diverse neighbourhoods, strong employment hubs, universities, parks, and a wide range of childcare settings. Covering areas such as Shirley, Bitterne, Portswood, Woolston and Millbrook, it is well connected by rail and road and attracts families seeking city amenities with access to coastal and forest areas.
Parents in Southampton typically pay £74 per day for childcare, which is slightly 2% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £74
- Comparison
- -2% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 3,123 places
Nurseries near you in Southampton
Not registered with Nuuri
Frequently Asked Questions
Private nurseries in Southampton usually accept children from around 3 months. School and council nurseries typically offer funded places from age 2 or 3, subject to eligibility and availability.
All 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours each week, with many working parents qualifying for up to 30 hours. Some 2 year olds qualify earlier based on household circumstances. Eligible working parents of babies aged 9 months+ may also access government-funded childcare support.
Nursery fees in Southampton usually fall between £60–£130 per day, with higher rates in modern settings and neighbourhoods such as Ocean Village, Portswood and West End.
All nurseries in Southampton are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Southampton City Council.
Ask about settling-in processes, SEND provision, outdoor access, funding models, additional fees, and communication systems for parents.
Applying for funding
Southampton is covered by Southampton City Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Southampton City Council website
