Nurseries in West Sussex
West Sussex is a popular South East county known for its blend of coast, countryside and well-connected towns, making it a strong choice for families seeking quality early years provision. Covering postcode districts BN11–BN18, RH10–RH20 and PO18–PO22, it includes Worthing, Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and surrounding villages. Families benefit from rail links to London Victoria, London Bridge and Gatwick Airport, as well as access to the A27, A24 and A23. The county offers beaches, South Downs countryside, parks, playgrounds, libraries, children’s centres and strong primary schools. Nursery and preschool demand is consistently high across commuter belts such as Crawley and Horsham, as well as coastal areas around Worthing and Chichester.
Market insights for West Sussex
Parents in West Sussex typically pay £77 per day for childcare, which is slightly 2% 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 8,335 childcare places available across West Sussex, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in West Sussex.
- Average daily cost
- £77
- Comparison
- +2% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 8,335 places
Nurseries near you in West Sussex
- Bright Horizons Worthing Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Crawley Day Nursery And Pre School
- Little Monkeys Day Nursery
- Bright Horizons Horsham Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Grove Lodge Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Tudor House Burgess Hill Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Burgess Hill Day Nursery and Preschool
- Kiddi Caru Day Nursery Burgess Hill
- Elan Preschool
- Bright Horizons Rose Cottage Haywards Heath Day Nursery and Preschool
- Elan Day Nursery
- Hopscotch Worthing
- Reflections Nursery
- Discovery Day Nursery
- Pumpkin Patch Nursery Crescent Road Worthing
- Sticky Fingers Worthing Limited
- Little Rascals Nursery
- Dolphins Day Nursery
- Woodstock Day Nursery
- Early Explorers Nursery - Worthing
- Davison Day Nursery
- Scamps Pre-School Ltd
- The Nursery School Company Worthing
- Abracadabra Day Nursery
- Pumpkin Patch Nursery St Botolphs Worthing
- Puddleducks Nursery
- Home from Home Worthing
- Elm Grove Childcare Club
- St John's Pre-School
- Young Explorers - Goring
Frequently asked questions
In West Sussex, 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 West Sussex generally range from £65–£135 per day, with higher rates in Horsham, Chichester and coastal areas close to schools or commuter links.
All nurseries in West Sussex are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by West Sussex County Council.
Ask about outdoor play areas, access to local parks or countryside, staff turnover, how funded hours are delivered and any extra charges for meals, nappies, trips or extended care.
Applying for funding
West Sussex is covered by West Sussex County Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the West Sussex County Council websiteThe UK's nursery search platform, built for modern parents
Find events near you
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Work out what you'll pay
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