Nurseries in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is a large and desirable Home Counties county popular with families thanks to its excellent schools, green countryside, commuter links and attractive towns. Covering postcode districts from HP1–HP23 and LU6, MK18 (on the border), the county includes major townships such as Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Amersham and Chesham. Families benefit from rail links to London Marylebone, Euston and Paddington, as well as easy access to the M40, M4, A41 and A355. Buckinghamshire offers scenic walks, market towns, excellent leisure facilities and strong early-years provision. Demand for nursery places remains strong, especially in commuter belts and sought-after school catchments.
Parents in Buckinghamshire typically pay £83 per day for childcare, which is slightly 11% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £83
- Comparison
- +11% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 7,379 places
Nurseries near you in Buckinghamshire
Frequently Asked Questions
In Buckinghamshire, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, subject to availability. School and council-nurseries generally offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with earlier eligibility possible for some 2-year-olds or children of working parents.
In England, all 3 and 4-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded early education per week during term time, with many working families eligible for up to 30 hours. Some 2-year-olds also qualify based on household circumstances, and working parents of children from 9 months old may access funded childcare. Families may also benefit from Tax-Free Childcare, a government top-up scheme.
Nursery fees in Buckinghamshire typically range from £70–£140 per day, with higher rates in towns such as Beaconsfield, Marlow or Amersham due to strong commuter demand and local school catchments.
All nurseries in Buckinghamshire are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Buckinghamshire Council.
Ask about outdoor space, proximity to countryside or greenbelt, the learning approach, staff retention, how funded hours are offered and any additional costs for meals, nappies or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
Buckinghamshire is covered by Buckinghamshire Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Buckinghamshire Council website
