Day nursery | Information and advice
Practical advice for parents and carers on finding and choosing a nursery, childcare costs and funding, preparing your child for nursery, and what to expect from nursery life. Find trusted guidance on everything from safety and standards to child development, behaviour and health.
Finding and choosing a nursery
Find and choose a nursery with advice on when to start looking, questions to ask, nursery types and how to compare childcare options for your child.
Nursery costs and funded childcare
Understand nursery costs and funded childcare across the UK. Explore nursery fees, funded hours, benefits and financial support to help pay for childcare.
Find a great nursery
15,000+ day nurseries
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Starting nursery
Prepare for your child to start nursery with practical advice on settling in, managing separation, getting to know their key person and nursery routines.
Life at nursery
Discover what life at nursery involves, from early years learning and play to outdoor activities, meals, naps and daily routines that support your child.
Get expert advice about childcare
Join our growing community for clear, expert guidance on childcare.
Child development, behaviour and health
Find practical advice on baby and toddler development, behaviour, additional needs and health, from feeding and sleep to emotions, illnesses and nursery support.
Nursery safety, standards and parents’ rights
Understand nursery safety, standards and parents’ rights, including staffing, inspections, safeguarding, contracts, complaints and what happens if a nursery closes.
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Find your ideal nursery
15,000+ day nurseries
3,500+ new reviews every month
260,000+ verified reviews
All advice topics
Nursery vs childminder: Which is right for my child?When is the right time to start nursery?Questions to ask when choosing a nurseryWhat is the difference between nursery and pre-school?What is the difference between nursery and nursery school?What’s the difference between Nursery and Reception?Is part-time or full-time nursery better for my child?How to find a nursery for my baby: What to look forHow to find a nursery for my childFind out the top nurseries in the UK in 2026Nursery near home or work: which should I choose?Top 10 benefits of nurseryPros and cons of nurseryWhat is a pre-school?What are the different types of early years settings?Private, voluntary, independent (PVI) nurseries | What are they and why do they matter?Montessori method of education 2026: A child-led approachForest School nursery | Benefits and activitiesThe Reggio Emilia approach to early years educationWhat are Froebelian nurseries?What is a school-based nursery?What is wraparound childcare?Nursery waiting lists: Do I have to pay a deposit? 2026When to look for a nursery: How early do you need to start?Outdoor nurseries and benefits of outdoor playThe Curiosity Approach to early years learningWhat is a Sure Start Children’s Centre?Best Start Family Hub | How can it help me as a parent? How do nurseries support children with SEND?Specialist nurseries for children with SENDBeach school benefits and activities‘Why we chose an eco-friendly nursery’What is a sustainable and eco-friendly nursery like?What are Steiner nurseries?Hygge nurseries: Practising hygge in early yearsBilingual nurseries: Learning a second language earlyA short history of nurseries
Childcare costs 2026: How much do you pay in the UK?Can I get free childcare and help with nursery fees?Childcare costs: How much do you pay in England?Childcare costs: How much do you pay in Scotland?Childcare costs: How much do you pay in Wales in 2026?How to apply for 15 hours free childcare in England | 202630 hours free childcare in England | How to apply 2026Childcare during the summer holidays: Types and costsChanging Nurseries: How do I transfer funded childcare?Nursery top-up fees | Guidance on additional charges 2026Child Benefit 2026 | Eligibility, rates, high income chargeTax-Free Childcare 2026: Eligibility and how does it work?How much does it cost to have a baby in the UK?Free childcare in England 2026 | EligibilityUniversal Credit childcare element | How to claim for all your childrenWhat is the cost of raising a child in the UK?How much does holiday childcare cost in 2026?Childcare costs: How much do you pay in Northern Ireland?Childcare costs for a disabled child 2026: How to get helpFree childcare in Scotland 2026 | EligibilityFree childcare in Wales 2026 | Flying Start, Childcare Offer, Foundation PhaseFree childcare in Northern Ireland | EligibilityBenefits and other financial support during pregnancyBenefits for grandparents caring for grandchildrenNorthern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS)Applying for Child Benefit online | 2026Budgeting for childcare: Costs and financial supportFinancial help for parents | What benefits can I claim as a parent?Money saving tips for familiesShared Parental Leave and Pay 2026Adoption Leave and Pay 2026Paternity Leave and Pay 2026/27Specified Adult Childcare credits 2026: How to boost your State PensionStudent Childcare Grant: Rates and eligibilityWhat are the cheapest childcare options 2026?Cheap and free summer activities for kidsChildcare vouchersDisability Living Allowance for a child: DLA rates & how to applyGuardian’s AllowanceCan I still get Child Tax Credit in 2026?Help with childcare costs if you are a student | 2026Statutory Maternity Leave and Pay 2026/27What bereavement benefits can a parent get when partner dies?Military families in the UK: Help with childcare costs and other supportChildcare and prison: Rules and Child Benefit
Preparing your child’s nursery bag: What to pack for nurseryTips to help settle your child into nurseryTips to help a child with separation anxiety at nurseryWhen should I go back to work after having a baby?Who works in a nursery?What is a nursery graduation?Early years and nursery: Facts and statisticsNursery and Childcare Facts & Frequently Asked Questions
What your child learns at nursery and why play is essentialEarly years education methods | Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest Schools and moreSafe sleep for babies at nursery: What parents need to knowEYFS: What is in England’s early years curriculum?Scotland’s early years Curriculum for Excellence: What do children learn?Curriculum for Wales: Early YearsWales’ Foundation Phase FrameworkNorthern Ireland’s Curricular Guidance for Pre-School EducationHow will my baby get milk at nursery?Nursery food: What will my child eat at nursery?Starting school | When and how to apply for primary schoolHow to choose between a mainstream school and an SEN schoolImportance of play in childhood: Cognitive and social benefits10 tips to support my child’s learning at home10 tips for preparing your child for primary schoolWorld Book Day costume ideasBenefits of intergenerational nursery activitiesHow can nurseries cater to my child’s dietary needs?What is schema play? | Examples of schemas in playHeuristic play: Examples and benefitsThe history of nursery rhymes
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding – which is best?How to stop your baby crying: Tips to comfort themWhen to start potty training: Tips and best age to startWhen do babies start crawling?How do I stop my child biting?How to wind your baby: A guide for parentsHow to get your baby to sleepBaby items list: What do you need when having a baby?How to dress your baby for sleep: TOG rating guideWhat are the terrible twos?Is controlled crying harmful? | Pros and consHow can I stop my toddler hitting and being aggressive?When do babies start talking?Weaning a baby: Methods and how to introduce solid foods10 tips to raise a confident child in their early yearsScreen time for toddlers and young children: How much is too much?Top 10 benefits of reading to your childTypes of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)How to stop breastfeedingChildren and imaginary friendsSupporting young children to talk about their feelingsHow do I prepare my child for a new sibling?How can I keep my child a healthy weight?What are the signs a child has autism?How do I know if my child is dyslexic?What is a progress check at age two?Top 10 healthy eating tips for your childHow can you tell if your child is gifted?How to deal with toddler tantrums: Tips on how to manage themMeasles vaccine: How can I protect my child from measles at nursery?Chickenpox and the vaccine: What parents need to knowCoeliac disease in children under-five: What parents need to knowStrep A and Scarlet Fever: Causes and symptomsEczema in young children: symptoms, causes and treatmentsHow does Covid impact children | Symptoms & TreatmentHow do I help my child stay warm in cold weather?10 top tips for spotting ADHD in toddlersNutrition: How can I stop my toddler being a fussy eater?Epilepsy in young children: Causes and treatmentsExercising while pregnantNutrition in pregnancy: What to eat while pregnantShould pregnant women and high-risk babies get the RSV vaccine? Styles of parentingHow can dad bond with their baby?How can I talk to my child about disability?How can I talk to my child about racism and discrimination?Best budget children’s toys for birthdays 2026
Childcare and nursery staff to child ratios in the UK | 2026Do I have to pay for nursery on bank holidays? | Christmas and EasterDo I get a refund from nursery if my child is off sick? | 2026How are nurseries inspected by Ofsted in England? How are nurseries inspected in Wales?How are nurseries inspected in Scotland? Nursery sickness policies: Can my child go to nursery with a cold?Nurseries with CCTV and webcams: Are they safer?What happens if my nursery closes suddenly?Do you pay for nursery when you’re on holiday?Your rights as a parent at workAre nursery staff trained in first aid?National standards for childcare in EnglandNational standards for childcare in WalesNational standards for childcare in ScotlandNational standards for childcare in Northern IrelandHow are nurseries inspected in Northern Ireland?Can I take photos of my child’s nativity?How to complain about a nursery