
Nurseries in Southampton
Southampton parents can compare day nurseries in Sholing and nearby Botley here, with Ofsted grades, ages, opening hours and fees.
The choice in Southampton is often between a day nursery, which takes babies and opens all year, and a school nursery, which focuses on 3 to 5 year olds and follows term dates. The city is mostly SO14 to SO19.
Southampton City Council runs funded childcare for the city itself, while Botley and Eastleigh come under Hampshire County Council.
Childcare numbers for Southampton
Best nurseries in Southampton
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Nurseries near Southampton
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How to Calculate Nursery Fee in Southampton?
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Estimates based on average UK nursery rates (Coram Childcare Survey 2024). Actual fees vary by provider and registration costs.
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How to Apply for Funded Childcare in Southampton?
The nursery postcode districts represented on this page map to these official local authorities. Choose your council below; your home postcode determines which one handles your application.
Nursery questions in Southampton
Which postcodes cover nurseries in Southampton?
Southampton is mainly covered by SO14, SO15, SO16, SO17, SO18 and SO19, spanning the city centre and residential areas across the west, north and east of the city.
Is Southampton covered by Hampshire County Council for nursery funding?
No. Southampton City Council is a separate unitary authority and administers funded early years childcare within Southampton.
How much funded childcare can Southampton families receive?
All 3 and 4 year olds can receive 15 funded hours a week for 38 weeks. Eligible working families can receive up to 30 funded hours a week from 9 months old until school age.
What is the difference between a school nursery and a day nursery in Southampton?
School nurseries generally focus on children aged 3 to 5 and often follow school style sessions or term dates. Day nurseries commonly accept younger children, sometimes from a few months old, and may offer longer opening hours that better suit working families.
Does attending a Southampton school nursery guarantee a Reception place?
No. Attending a nursery or preschool attached to a school does not give automatic priority for Reception. Parents still need to make a separate school application.
Can funded childcare be split between different providers?
Yes. Funded hours can be used with more than one eligible provider, such as combining nursery sessions with a childminder, provided the total stays within the child's entitlement.
Can Southampton funded hours be spread across more weeks?
Yes, if the provider offers a stretched arrangement. The standard entitlement is based on 38 weeks, but some settings allow families to use fewer funded hours each week over a longer period.
Will I still have nursery costs with funded childcare?
Possibly. Funded hours cover eligible childcare, but separate charges may apply for meals, nappies, additional hours or optional activities. These costs should be clear before your child starts.
What extra support can a Southampton nursery receive for a child with SEND?
Southampton provides Early Years SEN Support and an Inclusion Support Fund for children who need provision beyond the support normally available within their setting. Eligible children receiving Disability Living Allowance may also qualify for Disability Access Funding.
