Nurseries in Berkshire
Berkshire is a popular Home Counties area known for its excellent schools, strong commuter links to London, riverside towns and diverse family neighbourhoods. Covering postcode districts RG1–RG31, SL1–SL6 and SL8, the county includes major towns such as Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Windsor, Newbury and Slough. Families benefit from the Elizabeth line, fast rail services to London Paddington, and access to the M4, A34, A329(M) and M40. Berkshire offers nature reserves, riverside walks, green spaces, playgrounds, leisure centres and vibrant family communities. With strong employment links and competitive school catchments, childcare demand remains consistently high across the region.
Parents in Berkshire typically pay £81 per day for childcare, which is slightly 7% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £81
- Comparison
- +7% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 15,841 places
Nurseries near you in Berkshire
Frequently Asked Questions
In Berkshire, private nurseries commonly accept children from around 3 months old, depending on 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 family 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 for funded childcare, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old may access funded hours. Tax Free Childcare can further support families with a 20 percent government top up.
Nursery fees in Berkshire generally range from £75–£150 per day, with Windsor, Maidenhead, Wokingham and parts of Reading among the highest cost areas due to strong childcare demand.
All nurseries in Berkshire are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen through each unitary authority and supported by local family and early years services.
Ask about outdoor space, staff ratios, learning approach, how funded hours are structured, waiting list length and any additional charges for meals, nappies or extended care. You may also want to ask about communication with parents and local outings.
Applying for funding
Berkshire is covered by Berkshire Unitary Authorities, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Berkshire Unitary Authorities website
