Nurseries in Swale
Swale is a coastal and semi-rural Kent district known for its diverse landscapes, historic towns and expanding family neighbourhoods. Covering postcode districts ME9, ME10, ME11, ME12 and ME13, it includes Sittingbourne, Faversham, Sheerness, Queenborough and the Isle of Sheppey. Families benefit from rail links to London Victoria, St Pancras and the Medway towns, as well as easy access to the A249, M2 and M20. The district offers coastline, nature reserves, heritage attractions, playgrounds and community parks. Childcare demand is steady across Swale, with Faversham and Sittingbourne seeing the highest interest due to strong school catchments and new housing developments.
Parents in Swale typically pay £77 per day for childcare, which is slightly 3% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £77
- Comparison
- +3% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 1,913 places
Nurseries near you in Swale
Frequently Asked Questions
In Swale, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old. School and council nurseries usually offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with earlier eligibility available for some 2-year-olds or working families.
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 funded hours per week, with many working families eligible for up to 30 hours. Some 2-year-olds may qualify based on financial criteria, and eligible working parents with children from 9 months old can also receive funded childcare. Tax-Free Childcare offers a 20 percent top-up on payments.
Nursery fees in Swale typically range from £55–£105 per day, with higher rates in Faversham and Sittingbourne due to strong demand and commuter access.
All nurseries in Swale are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Kent County Council.
Ask about outdoor facilities, links to coastal or countryside locations, funded hours options and any extra fees for meals, outings or extended care.
Applying for funding
Swale is covered by Kent County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Kent County Council website
