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.
Market insights for Buckinghamshire
Parents in Buckinghamshire typically pay £83 per day for childcare, which is slightly 11% higher than the UK average of £75 per day. This pricing reflects local market conditions, including operational costs, demand levels, and regional economic factors that influence childcare provision. With 7,379 childcare places available across Buckinghamshire, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Buckinghamshire.
- Average daily cost
- £83
- Comparison
- +11% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 7,379 places
Nurseries near you in Buckinghamshire
- Bright Horizons Potten End Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Haddenham Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Northgate House Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Brindley House Day Nursery and Preschool
- First Place Nursery in Beaconsfield
- Odds Farm Park Day Nursery and Activity Day Camps
- Marlow Opportunity Playgroup 1
- The Village Pre-Schools
- Little Oaks @ Tylers Green
- Little Oaks @ The Parish Rooms
- Willow Tree Nursery
- Little Willows Nursery
- Carrington Pre-School
- Little Buddies
- Over the Moon Day Nursery
- Loudwater Village Pre-school
- Montessori by Busy Bees at High Wycombe
- Sunny Days Pre-School
- Busy Bees Day Nursery at High Wycombe
- Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries - High Wycombe
- Little Workshop Day Nursery
- Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries Ltd - High Wycombe
- First Steps First Wycombe
- Wycombe Hospital Day Nursery
- Footsteps Nursery & Pre-School
- Young Discoverers Pre-School
- Boxmoor Hall Pre School
- Lime Grove Day Nursery
- Boxmoor Pre-school
- Flower Pots Day Nursery (Boxmoor)
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. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Buckinghamshire Council websiteThe UK's nursery search platform, built for modern parents
Find nurseries near you
Search by location, filter by age group, hours, and (Ofsted, Care Inspectorate Scotland, and Care Inspectorate Wales). Get a clearer picture before you commit to a visit.
Work out what you'll pay
Childcare costs and government funding can be confusing. Our calculator cuts through it and shows you what to expect each month.
Get guidance from childcare experts
Our advice hub walks you through every stage of the process, so you know when to start looking and exactly what to ask when you visit.