Nurseries in East Devon
East Devon combines coastline, farmland and market towns, making it a popular area for families seeking early years provision. Covering postcode districts EX8–EX14 and EX24, it includes Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Seaton, Axminster and surrounding villages. Families benefit from access to beaches, the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, good primary schools, children’s centres, playgrounds and community groups. Nursery and preschool demand is strong in coastal towns such as Exmouth and Sidmouth, as well as commuter villages within reach of Exeter.
Market insights for East Devon
Parents in East Devon typically pay £74 per day for childcare, which is slightly 1% 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 751 childcare places available across East Devon, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in East Devon.
- Average daily cost
- £74
- Comparison
- -1% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 751 places
Nurseries near you in East Devon
- Pinecones Nursery School
- Busy Otters
- Ottertots Day Care Nursery
- Little Farmers @ Cuckoo Down Farm
- West Hill Pre-School
- Pink Hippo Day Nursery & Pre-School Limited
- Ruperts Under 5's Pre-School
- Puffins at Beer Pre-School
- Dragonflies Preschool
- Tick Tock Day Nursery
- The Folly Nursery
- All Saints Wise Owls
- Wild Roots Childcare
- Angels Daycare
- Little Ones Honiton
- Sunny Days Honiton
- Busy Bee Pre School
- Sunny Days Honiton
- Dunkeswell Pre-school CIO
- Stockland and Yarcombe Pre-school
- Upottery Preschool CIO
- Nurture in Nature - Forest School
- Colyton Caterpillars Early Education
- Raddenstile Childcare Ltd T/a The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery
- Sunshine Pre-school Exmouth Ltd
- Little Bells Pre-school and Nursery
- Happy Days Nursery
- ABC Day Nursery
- Pound Lane Daycare
- Ottertots Day Care Nursery
Frequently asked questions
In East Devon, private nurseries often accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and availability. School and council nurseries typically 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 household 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 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 East Devon generally range from £60–£110 per day, with higher rates in popular coastal towns such as Exmouth and Sidmouth and in villages with limited places.
All nurseries in East Devon are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Devon County Council.
Ask about outdoor play space, trips to the beach or countryside, staff qualifications, how funded hours are delivered, and any extra charges for meals, nappies, activities or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
East Devon is covered by Devon County Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Devon 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.