Nurseries in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a popular Home Counties destination for families thanks to its excellent schools, green space, commuter rail links and attractive market towns. Covering postcode districts from AL1–AL10, SG1–SG14, WD3–WD25, EN6–EN11 and HP1–HP5, the county includes major towns such as St Albans, Watford, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City and Hertford. Families benefit from fast rail connections to London St Pancras, Kings Cross, Euston and Liverpool Street, along with easy access to the M1, M25, A1(M) and A41. Hertfordshire offers extensive parks, nature reserves, playgrounds, leisure centres and highly regarded state and independent schools. Strong demand from commuting families and growing new-build communities means nursery places are often competitive, especially in key towns like St Albans and Harpenden.
Parents in Hertfordshire typically pay £85 per day for childcare, which is slightly 13% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £85
- Comparison
- +13% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 20,843 places
Nurseries near you in Hertfordshire
Frequently Asked Questions
In Hertfordshire, private nurseries usually 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 a child’s 3rd birthday, with earlier eligibility possible for some 2-year-olds or children of working parents.
Children aged 3 and 4 in England receive 15 funded hours each week, with many working families eligible for 30 hours. Some 2-year-olds also qualify for funded childcare, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old can receive funded hours. Tax-Free Childcare offers a 20 percent government top-up on nursery payments.
Nursery fees in Hertfordshire typically range from £70–£140 per day, with higher prices in St Albans, Harpenden and parts of Hertsmere due to strong commuter demand and high-performing school catchments.
All nurseries in Hertfordshire are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Hertfordshire County Council.
Ask about outdoor space, trips to local parks, the learning approach, waiting list length, funded hours arrangements and any extra fees for meals, nappies or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
Hertfordshire is covered by Hertfordshire County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Hertfordshire County Council website
