Nurseries in Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a large South West county known for its mix of historic market towns, rural villages and family-friendly communities. Covering postcode districts BA12–BA15, SN1–SN16 and SP1–SP5, it includes Salisbury, Chippenham, Trowbridge, Devizes, Swindon and surrounding areas. Families benefit from strong road links via the M4 and A303, direct rail connections to London Paddington and Waterloo, and access to countryside, woodland trails, National Trust estates and high-performing primary schools. Nursery demand is steady across commuter towns such as Chippenham and Melksham, as well as larger urban areas like Swindon and Salisbury.
Market insights for Wiltshire
Parents in Wiltshire typically pay £81 per day for childcare, which is slightly 7% 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 10,174 childcare places available across Wiltshire, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Wiltshire.
- Average daily cost
- £81
- Comparison
- +7% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 10,174 places
Nurseries near you in Wiltshire
- Bright Horizons Andover Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Dandelions
- Barney Lodge Nursery School
- Warminster Bright Beginnings
- Heytesbury Hedgehogs Pre School
- Codford Caterpillars Pre School
- Mere Pre-School & Nursery
- Leaping Frogs Day Nursery CIC
- The Learning Meadow
- Little Cuckoos Preschool
- The Avenue Children's Centre
- Tops Warminster
- Barley Burrow
- BebeTots Limited
- The Rainbow Playschool
- Daisy Chain Pre-School
- Bright Stars Nursery
- YMCA Kingfisher Preschool
- Cygnets Pre-School
- Busy Bees Pre School
- Step Up Pre-School At Dilton Marsh
- Cygnets Pre-School, Bratton
- Glitter Bugs Nursery Limited
- Rainbow Early Years
- The Willows Preschool
- Nestlings Pre School
- Holt Pre-School
- Kiddiwinks Pre-School
- Roundstone Nursery School
- Busy Bees Day Nursery at Trowbridge
Frequently asked questions
In Wiltshire, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and availability. School or 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 Wiltshire generally range from £60–£120 per day, with higher rates in Salisbury, Chippenham and towns with strong commuter connections or popular primary schools.
All nurseries in Wiltshire are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Wiltshire Council.
Ask about outdoor space, access to countryside or local walks, staff turnover, how funded hours are delivered and whether there are extra charges for meals, consumables, trips or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
Wiltshire is covered by Wiltshire Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Wiltshire 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.