Nurseries in Sunderland
Sunderland is a major coastal city in the North East, covering areas such as Fulwell, Seaburn, Roker, Washington, Hylton, Southwick, Hendon and the city centre. Known for its regenerated seafront, strong transport links, parks, schools and expanding family neighbourhoods, Sunderland offers a wide range of nursery, preschool and early years provision. Families benefit from beaches, riverside walks, libraries, children’s centres, museums and city-wide green space. Demand for childcare is particularly strong in Fulwell, Ashbrooke, Seaburn and newer housing developments across North Sunderland and Washington.
Parents in Sunderland typically pay £72 per day for childcare, which is slightly 4% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £72
- Comparison
- -4% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 2,589 places
Nurseries near you in Sunderland
Frequently Asked Questions
In Sunderland, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and place availability. School and council nurseries usually 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 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 Sunderland typically range from £48–£90 per day, with higher rates in coastal neighbourhoods such as Fulwell, Roker and Seaburn, and in commuter areas with strong school demand.
All nurseries and early years settings in Sunderland are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Together for Children on behalf of Sunderland City Council.
Ask about outdoor space, staff qualifications, access to beaches or parks, how funded hours are offered, and any additional charges for meals, trips, nappies or extended care.
Applying for funding
Sunderland is covered by Together for Children (on behalf of Sunderland City Council), the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Together for Children (on behalf of Sunderland City Council) website
