Nurseries in Manchester

Manchester nurseries are spread across numerous M postcode districts, including M1 to M4, M8, M9, M11 to M16, M18 to M23 and M40. Some M postcodes also extend into neighbouring council areas, so the full address is useful when comparing locations.

No. Manchester and Salford are separate city council areas, despite forming one continuous urban area. Childcare within Manchester is administered by Manchester City Council, while Salford has its own local authority.

All 3 and 4 year olds can receive 15 funded hours a week. Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 funded hours a week from 9 months old until school age, normally across 38 weeks of the year.

You can apply once your child is 23 weeks old. To start funding in September, January or April, applications should be completed by 31 August, 31 December or 31 March respectively. Eligibility must then be reconfirmed every 3 months.

Yes. Individual providers may offer funded childcare only on certain days, sessions or times, so 30 funded hours does not necessarily mean every nursery offers the same weekly pattern. Opening times and session arrangements are worth comparing alongside availability.

Yes. School nursery classes form an important part of Manchester's early years provision. In summer 2025, 62% of children using the 3 and 4 year old entitlement attended a school nursery class, compared with 38% using private, voluntary or independent provision.

Funding covers the childcare hours, but providers may charge separately for things such as meals, snacks, nappies, sun cream, trips or additional childcare hours. These costs should be considered when comparing the overall price of a nursery place.

Yes. Eligible children may attract additional funding such as Early Years Pupil Premium to support learning and development or Disability Access Fund to help a setting make reasonable adjustments and improve inclusion. These payments go to the childcare provider rather than adding extra funded hours for the parent.

Manchester's SEND provision covers children and young people from birth to age 25, including support during the early years. Nurseries can also access additional inclusion support where a child's needs require provision beyond what the setting would normally provide.