Nurseries in Oxford
Oxford is the historic heart of Oxfordshire, known for its world-famous university, thriving cultural scene and strong demand for early years places. Covering OX1–OX4, it includes areas such as Headington, Jericho, Summertown, Cowley and Marston. Families benefit from excellent transport links to London and major employers such as the NHS, university colleges and research parks. This demand means nurseries often operate with high occupancy and waiting lists, especially in North Oxford and Headington.
Market insights for Oxford
Parents in Oxford typically pay £83 per day for childcare, which is slightly 10% 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 7,190 childcare places available across Oxford, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Oxford.
- Average daily cost
- £83
- Comparison
- +10% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 7,190 places
Nurseries near you in Oxford
- Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery
- Bright Horizons Little Stars
- Bright Horizons Didcot Day Nursery And Pre School
- Bright Horizons St Mary's Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Milton Park Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Witney Day Nursery and Pre-School
- Super Strike Fir Tree Holiday Camp
- Brightwell Pre-School
- RAFAKidz Benson
- Early Days Nursery School Ltd
- Ewelme Pre-School
- Scamps of Benson Ltd
- The Lighthouse Nursery School
- Warborough & Shillingford Pre-School
- Dorchester on Thames Pre-School
- Berinsfield Early Years Pre-school
- Puddleduck Nursery
- Rainbow Pre School
- Duchess Nursery Wallingford
- Elizabeth House Day Nursery and Preschool
- Paddocks Pre-School
- Cholsey Pre-School
- Wildflowers Montessori
- Little Pippins Pre-School
- Little Acorns
- Ladybirds@Meadow View
- GetActive@StephenFreeman
- Butterflies Pre-School Didcot
- Ladygrove Day Nursery And Nursery School
- South Moreton Preschool
Frequently asked questions
In Oxford, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, with school nurseries offering places from age 2 or 3 depending on availability. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with eligible 2 year olds qualifying earlier.
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 Oxford generally range from £75–£155 per day, with higher rates in Summertown, Headington and central Oxford.
All nurseries in Oxford are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Oxfordshire County Council.
Ask about waiting list times, outdoor space, meal fees, staffing ratios and how funded hours are delivered.
Applying for funding
Oxford is covered by Oxfordshire County Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Oxfordshire 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.