Nurseries in Derby
Derby is the largest urban area in Derbyshire and a major East Midlands city, offering a wide range of early years settings across suburban, central and commuter neighbourhoods. Covering DE1–DE24, it includes areas such as Mickleover, Littleover, Allestree, Alvaston and Chaddesden. Families benefit from excellent transport links via the A38, A50 and M1, strong primary schools, local parks, children’s centres and expanding new-build communities. Demand for nursery places is consistently high, particularly around popular school catchments and rapidly growing housing developments.
Market insights for Derby
Parents in Derby typically pay £70 per day for childcare, which is slightly 6% lower 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 5,977 childcare places available across Derby, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Derby.
- Average daily cost
- £70
- Comparison
- -6% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 5,977 places
Nurseries near you in Derby
- The Honey Pots Day Nursery
- Little Angels Pre-School Ltd Swadlincote
- Blossom Wood Pre-School
- Dandelions Day Nursery
- Little Alpacas Ltd
- Little Butterflies Woodville Preschool
- Woodville Nursery School
- Little Cherubs
- Midway Preschool
- Woodville Pre-School
- The Old Vicarage Day Nursery Limited
- Bramblewood Day Nursery
- Our Monkey Club C.I.C.
- Playful Roots Nursery Swadlincote
- Church Gresley Playgroup T/A Church Gresley Pre-School
- The Orchard Garden Private Day Nursery
- Moira Pre-School
- Tiny Blessings Day Nursery
- Overseal Pre-School
- Happy Hedgehogs
- Evergreen Lodge Nursery and Preschool Limited
- St. Charles' Catholic Pre-School
- Kids Planet Donisthorpe
- Into Nature Nursery
- Rosliston Under 5's Pre-School
- Beeches Park Children's Day Nursery
- Stretton Day Nursery
- Carver Road Playgroup
- Our Monkey Club CIC
- Footsteps Nursery & Forest school
Frequently asked questions
In Derby, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old depending on staffing and availability. School and council nurseries usually begin at age 2 or 3. Funded early education starts the term after your child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household circumstances or 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 based on household circumstances, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old may access funded childcare. Tax-Free Childcare offers a 20 percent government top-up to help with nursery costs.
Nursery fees in Derby typically range from £55–£120 per day, with higher rates in Littleover, Mickleover and Allestree.
All nurseries in Derby are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council for bordering areas.
Ask about staff qualifications, access to outdoor areas, how funded hours are delivered, meal arrangements and any additional fees for nappies, outings or extended hours.
Applying for funding
Derby is covered by Derbyshire County Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Derbyshire County 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.