Nurseries in Weymouth & Portland
Weymouth & Portland is a popular coastal area known for its harbour, beaches, family-friendly neighbourhoods and seaside activities. With strong local schools and affordable living compared to nearby towns, demand for early years places remains high, especially around Weymouth town centre and Portland’s residential areas.
Market insights for Weymouth & Portland
Parents in Weymouth & Portland typically pay £75 per day for childcare, which is lower than the UK average of £75 per day. This pricing reflects local market conditions and regional economic factors that influence childcare costs. With 677 childcare places available across Weymouth & Portland, families have a range of options to consider. These insights help parents understand the local childcare market and make informed decisions about their childcare needs in Weymouth & Portland.
- Average daily cost
- £75
- Comparison
- Same as UK average
- Total capacity
- 677 places
Nurseries near you in Weymouth & Portland
- Ducklings Pre-School
- Chesil Bank Pre School
- Scallywags Child Care Centre
- Radipole Preschool
- Preston Pre-School Ltd
- Allsorts
- Little Firs Day Nursery
- Allsorts
- Jelly Babies Day Nursery
- Wyke Regis Pre-School Playgroup
- Chipmunks Day Nursery
- Chuckles Day Nursery
- Little Beans Daycare Limited
- Busy Bees Day Nursery at Weymouth
- Humptys house pre-school and Kool kids after school club
- Allsorts Brackenbury
- ASC Portland
- Little Dragons Pre School
- Haylands
- Doodlebugs Preschool
Frequently asked questions
Most nurseries in Weymouth & Portland accept children from around 3 months old. School nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after a child turns 3, with earlier eligibility for some 2 year olds depending on circumstances or working-parent status.
All 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours, with many working families eligible for 30 hours. Some 2 year olds may qualify earlier, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months can access funded childcare. Tax Free Childcare adds a 20 percent government contribution.
Nursery fees usually range from £55–£115 per day, depending on the area and provision type.
All nurseries are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Dorset Council.
Ask about outdoor access, seaside activities, funded hours, staff qualifications and any additional charges for meals or trips.
Applying for funding
Weymouth & Portland is covered by Dorset Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Dorset 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.