Nurseries in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a major metropolitan county in the north of England, home to the cities of Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield, along with thriving towns such as Huddersfield and Halifax. Known for its strong transport links, extensive childcare options and diverse communities, it is a popular region for families seeking reliable early years provision. Covering postcode districts LS1–LS29, BD1–BD22, WF1–WF17 and HD1–HD9, it offers urban, suburban and semi-rural settings with good access to parks, schools, cultural venues and employment hubs across the Leeds City Region.
Parents in West Yorkshire typically pay £75 per day for childcare, which is lower than the UK average of £75 per day.
- Average Daily Cost
- £75
- Comparison
- Same as UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 29,876 places
Nurseries near you in West Yorkshire
Frequently Asked Questions
In West Yorkshire, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, depending on availability. School or council nurseries usually offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with some 2 year olds able to access places earlier depending on eligibility.
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 West Yorkshire generally range from £55–£120 per day, with higher rates in central Leeds and popular commuter areas such as Horsforth, Ilkley and Saltaire.
All nurseries in West Yorkshire are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by the five metropolitan councils: Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale.
Ask about staff retention, access to outdoor play, meal options, flexibility for funded hours, and whether additional charges apply for nappies, meals, outings or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
West Yorkshire is covered by National Funding Guidance (England), the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the National Funding Guidance (England) website
