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.
Parents in Wiltshire typically pay £81 per day for childcare, which is slightly 7% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £81
- Comparison
- +7% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 10,334 places
Nurseries near you in Wiltshire
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. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Wiltshire Council website
