Nurseries in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is one of the UK’s largest metropolitan regions, made up of ten boroughs including Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Bolton, Wigan, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury and Tameside. It offers a diverse mix of urban neighbourhoods, family-friendly suburbs and well-connected commuter towns. With strong transport links such as the Metrolink tram network, extensive bus routes, rail links to London and the M60 ring road, the area is popular with families seeking access to employment, education and childcare. The region includes parks, museums, libraries, galleries, leisure centres and a large variety of nursery and preschool options. Demand is consistently high across central Manchester, Salford Quays, Trafford, Didsbury, Chorlton and Altrincham.
Market insights for Greater Manchester
Parents in Greater Manchester typically pay £68 per day for childcare, which is slightly 10% 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 41,505 childcare places available across Greater Manchester, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Greater Manchester.
- Average daily cost
- £68
- Comparison
- -10% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 41,505 places
Nurseries near you in Greater Manchester
- Bright Horizons Bolton Pre-School & Day Nursery
- Bright Horizons at Trafford
- Bright Horizons Didsbury Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Astley Nursery and Preschool
- Kids Planet Eccles
- Bright Horizons Sale Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Tytherington Day Nursery and Preschool
- 0-2-5 Nursery
- The Nest
- Gaskells Private Day Nursery
- Brighter Beginnings Day Nursery
- Bolton School Infant and Nursery School
- Bolton Children's Opportunity Group Playgroup
- Clevelands Nursery
- Heaton Preschool Nursery
- Tender Years Day Nursery Bolton
- Canterburys Nursery and Out of School Club
- Heaton House Nursery
- Canterburys 2 Nursery & Out Of School Club
- The Red House Nursery
- Kids Planet Astley Bridge
- Highview Kindergarten Ltd
- Little Lambs Nursery
- Shining Stars Nursery
- Seymour Road Nursery Ltd
- Tic Tots Day Nursery & Creche
- Little Angels Nursery
- Hocus Pocus Day Nursery Ltd
- Harwood Childrens Day Nursery Limited
- Play is For All
Frequently asked questions
In Greater Manchester, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and 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 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 provides a 20 percent government top-up to help with nursery costs.
Nursery fees in Greater Manchester generally range from £50–£90 per day, with higher rates in central Manchester, Salford Quays, Didsbury, Chorlton and Altrincham.
All nurseries in Greater Manchester are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by each local borough council.
Ask about staff qualifications, outdoor space, delivery of funded hours, waiting list times, meal charges and how they support learning and development in line with the EYFS framework.
Applying for funding
Greater Manchester is covered by Manchester City Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Manchester City 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.