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Town childcare guide

Nurseries in Chester le Street

Chester-le-Street is a County Durham market town centred on Front Street, close to the River Wear and Riverside cricket ground. The town and its immediate residential areas use DH2 and DH3 postcodes, with funded early years childcare administered by Durham County Council.

Postcodes: DH3

Childcare numbers for Chester le Street

Daily fees range
£77
Per day
Outstanding nurseries
1
100% of nurseries
Funded childcare
1
100% offer funding
Total nurseries
1
Across Durham
Top nurseries

Top nurseries in Chester le Street

Showing 11 of 1 selected nursery listings · 1 total in this area.

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Mains House Nursery
From
£77/day
Ofsted: Outstanding

Mains House Nursery

West Lane, Chester le Street, County Durham, DH3 3HL, United Kingdom
Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum Capacity 36 Limited spaces
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Nurseries near Chester le Street

Explore 1 mapped nursery in this area.

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Nursery cost calculator

How to Calculate Nursery Fee in Chester le Street?

Get a quick estimate of what childcare could cost your family each week and month in Chester le Street.

1

Your childcare week

Set the schedule you need.

2

Child and daily fee

Your local average, matched to their age.

Chester le Street average
£77/day
3

Likely support

Choose the support you expect to use.

Before support
£1001
per month
Likely support
£0
per month
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Estimated cost in Chester le Street
£231/week
· £12012/year
Based on the area average of £77/day

Estimates based on average UK nursery rates (Coram Childcare Survey 2024). Actual fees vary by provider and registration costs.

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Funded childcare guide

How to Apply for Funded Childcare in Chester le Street?

The nursery postcode districts currently represented on this page map to Durham County Council. Your home postcode determines which council handles your application.

Helpful answers

Nursery questions in Chester le Street

Which postcodes cover nurseries in Chester-le-Street?

Childcare in and immediately around Chester-le-Street is commonly found within DH2 and DH3. These postcodes also extend into neighbouring communities, so checking the full address is useful when comparing nursery locations.

Is Chester-le-Street practical for families commuting to Durham or Newcastle?

Yes. Its position between Durham and Newcastle, together with rail and road connections, means some parents may prefer childcare close to home while others choose sessions that fit their commuting pattern.

How much funded childcare can Chester-le-Street families receive?

All 3 and 4 year olds can receive 15 funded hours a week, usually for 38 weeks. Eligible working families can receive up to 30 funded hours a week from 9 months old until school age.

Can some 2 year olds receive funded childcare separately?

Yes. Some 2 year olds whose families receive additional support qualify for a separate 15 hour entitlement. Durham County Council refers to applications for these places as Play and Learn.

Can funded hours be stretched across more of the year?

Yes, where the childcare provider offers it. Families can use fewer funded hours each week across more than 38 weeks, which can suit parents needing childcare during part of the school holidays.

Should I secure a nursery place before my funded hours begin?

It can be worthwhile, particularly if you need specific weekdays, full days or a baby place. Funding eligibility does not guarantee that a particular Chester-le-Street nursery will have space for your preferred sessions.

What extra costs can still apply with funded childcare?

You may still be charged separately for things such as meals, nappies, additional hours or optional activities. These should be clearly distinguished from the funded childcare itself.

Do working parents need to keep their childcare code active?

Yes. Parents using the working families entitlement must normally reconfirm their details every 3 months to keep their eligibility current.

What additional help is available if my child has SEND?

Durham operates an early years SEND inclusion funding system for children needing additional support in their setting. Eligible children accessing funded early education can also attract at least £975 a year in Disability Access Fund during 2026 to 2027 for their nominated provider.