Nurseries in Southampton
Southampton is a major port city offering diverse neighbourhoods, strong employment hubs, universities, parks, and a wide range of childcare settings. Covering areas such as Shirley, Bitterne, Portswood, Woolston and Millbrook, it is well connected by rail and road and attracts families seeking city amenities with access to coastal and forest areas.
Market insights for Southampton
Parents in Southampton typically pay £74 per day for childcare, which is slightly 2% 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 2,852 childcare places available across Southampton, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Southampton.
- Average daily cost
- £74
- Comparison
- -2% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 2,852 places
Nurseries near you in Southampton
- Bright Horizons Southampton Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Southampton Nursling Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Yellow Dot Chilworth
- Bright Horizons Portswood Day Nursery and Preschool
- Dingley Family And Specialist Early Years Centres
- Sunrise Day Nursery
- ComputerXplorers
- Paint Pots Preschool @ St Joseph's
- Play Away Day Nurseries Ltd
- Start Point Northam
- Bevois Town Community Pre-School (With extended Day Care Provisions)
- Paint Pots Preschool & Nursery
- Foundry Lane Preschool
- Busy Bee Preschool
- Sticky Fingers Pre-school Tanners Brook
- Paint Pots Preschool & Nursery
- Shirley Preschool
- Paint Pots Preschool @ St Marks
- Barn Owls Pre School
- Hopscotch Day Nurseries (Regents Park) Ltd
- Paint Pots Preschool And Nursery
- Explorers Day Nursery
- Paint Pots Preschool & Nursery
- Honeybeez Pre-School
- Hardmoor Early Years Centre (Daycare)
- Bracken Place Day Nursery
- Learningland Day Nursery
- Trust Taplins Childcare
- Rose Road Playscheme - Bradbury Centre
- Little Caterpillars Preschool
Frequently asked questions
Private nurseries in Southampton usually accept children from around 3 months. School and council nurseries typically offer funded places from age 2 or 3, subject to eligibility and availability.
All 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours each week, with many working parents qualifying for up to 30 hours. Some 2 year olds qualify earlier based on household circumstances. Eligible working parents of babies aged 9 months+ may also access government-funded childcare support.
Nursery fees in Southampton usually fall between £60–£130 per day, with higher rates in modern settings and neighbourhoods such as Ocean Village, Portswood and West End.
All nurseries in Southampton are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Southampton City Council.
Ask about settling-in processes, SEND provision, outdoor access, funding models, additional fees, and communication systems for parents.
Applying for funding
Southampton is covered by Southampton City Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Southampton 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.