Nurseries in Surrey

In Surrey, children can start private nursery from around 3 months old depending on availability. Council and school-based nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after your child turns 3, with earlier eligibility possible for some 2-year-olds or working parents of younger children.

In England, all 3 and 4-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded early education per week during term time, with many working families eligible for up to 30 hours. There is also funded support for some 2-year-olds based on household circumstances, and entitlement for working parents of children from 9 months old to receive 30 hours per week for eligible families. The exact offer and start dates depend on your child’s age, your work status and when their birthday falls in the school year. Families can also benefit from Tax-Free Childcare if both working parents earn less than £100k per year. For every £8 a parent pays into their online childcare account, the government adds an extra £2 up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year.

Nursery fees in Surrey typically range from **£75–£135 per day**, with areas such as Cobham, Guildford, Weybridge and Reigate often at the higher end due to strong demand and a high proportion of commuting families.

All nurseries in Surrey are regulated by **Ofsted**, with early years funding overseen by **Surrey County Council**.

Ask about outdoor space, access to local parks or commons, staff retention, funded hours availability and how fees are structured. It is also useful to ask about waiting lists, especially in popular towns like Guildford, Reigate and Woking, and any additional charges for meals, nappies or extended care.