Nurseries in West Midlands

Nurseries across the West Midlands are mainly found within B, CV, DY, WS and WV postcode areas. These postcode districts can cross council boundaries, so the full location is useful when comparing nearby childcare.

Early years funding is administered separately by Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton councils. The national childcare entitlements are the same, but local administration and provider arrangements can differ.

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

Yes. Families can use an eligible childcare provider outside the council area where they live, which can be useful when choosing a nursery near work or along a regular commute. Funding administration follows the location of the childcare setting.

No. A family may qualify for 30 hours, but individual providers can offer different days, session lengths and attendance patterns. Some settings may offer all 30 hours, while others may provide fewer funded hours or allow the entitlement to be split with another provider.

Eligibility must be in place before the relevant term begins. The usual deadlines are 31 August for a September start, 31 December for January and 31 March for April. Working parents also need to reconfirm their eligibility every 3 months.

Yes. Some 2 year olds can receive 15 funded hours through additional support criteria, even if their parents do not qualify through employment. In some cases, a child may qualify under both schemes and receive up to 30 hours in total.

Funded hours cover eligible childcare, but nurseries may charge separately for meals, nappies, sun cream, additional hours or optional activities. These extras are separate from the funded entitlement and should be explained clearly before a place is agreed.

Not exactly. Each of the seven councils manages its own early years SEND support and Local Offer, so the processes and additional funding available can vary by borough. Early years settings can also receive additional support for eligible children whose needs go beyond their usual provision.