Nurseries in Falmouth

Yes. Cornwall Council's latest published figures for the combined Falmouth and Penryn area projected 81 full time equivalent places for children aged 9 to 23 months against demand for 110, leaving a shortfall of 29.

For 2 year olds, the council projected 113 places against demand for 122, a shortfall of 9.

The pressure is therefore greatest before age 2.

Yes, particularly if you need childcare for a baby or fixed working days. Cornwall Council assesses childcare supply and demand for Falmouth and Penryn as one local area, and its latest assessment shows shortages for both under 2s and 2 year olds.

Searching both towns gives you access to a wider pool of nurseries, preschools and childminders without moving far outside the local childcare area.

Yes. Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 funded hours a week from the term after their child turns 9 months until they start school.

For funding starting on 1 January, obtain your code by 31 December. For 1 April, the deadline is 31 March. For 1 September, it is 31 August.

Cornwall Council recommends applying at least 6 weeks before the deadline, but the funding code does not reserve a Falmouth nursery place. Secure your childcare place separately and earlier.

No. Cornwall Council states that providers must not charge a deposit or registration fee to secure a funded childcare place.

Nurseries can charge for additional hours and optional items such as meals, nappies, wipes, sun cream and trips, but refusing those extras must not stop your child accessing their funded hours.

No compulsory purchase is allowed. If a setting charges for meals or consumables, Cornwall Council requires an alternative.

For example, parents can provide their own packed lunch, nappies, wipes or sun cream rather than being required to buy them from the nursery.

This is worth checking before accepting a place because the cost of extras can change the amount you actually pay each month.

Cornwall's Family Information Service currently lists a Falmouth childcare provider in TR11 charging £6 per hour from March 2026. That setting accepts 30 funded hours, takes children from 6 months old, opens from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and operates all year.

This is a verified local example rather than an average for Falmouth. Fees and hours differ between providers, so compare the complete weekly cost and opening times before choosing a place.

The Lighthouse Family Hub on Jubilee Road runs a child health drop in clinic every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon.

A breastfeeding peer support group also runs there on Wednesdays from 10am to 11:30am.

These are useful local services for weighing, feeding support and questions about a baby's health and development.

Yes. Falmouth has 2 Cornwall Council Family Hubs.

The Lighthouse Family Hub is on Jubilee Road, Falmouth, TR11 2BB.

Chi Aberfala Family Hub is on Tregenver Road, Falmouth, TR11 2QL.

Both are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Services include early years support, child development, health services, parenting support, infant feeding and SEND guidance.

Cornwall's Early Years Inclusion and SEND Team supports children aged 0 to 5 who are not meeting expected development milestones.

Support is accessed through a referral from the child's early years provider or a health professional. The team can work with the nursery's SENDCO, provide strategies and training, deliver short or longer term interventions and support the child's transition to school.

Cornwall also operates a Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund. Eligible 3 and 4 year olds who receive Disability Living Allowance and funded early education can receive a £938 annual Disability Access Fund payment to their early years setting.