Best nurseries in Durham
11 Ofsted-registered nurseries and pre-schools in County Durham, best Ofsted result first: the latest report card or overall grade, then the most recent inspection. Childminders are not listed (Ofsted does not publish their addresses).
| # | Nursery | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clever Clogs Day Nursery Full day care · 122 places · DH1 1GG | Outstanding (2024) |
| 2 | The Laurels Child Care Full day care · 34 places · DH1 2EY | Outstanding (2022) |
| 3 | Durham University Day Nursery Full day care · 90 places · DH1 1TA | Outstanding (2022) |
| 4 | Yellow Wellies Full day care · 52 places · DH1 4SG | Good (2025) |
| 5 | Kids Planet Durham Full day care · 74 places · DH7 8ER | Good (2025) |
| 6 | Kids 1st - Durham Full day care · 110 places · DH1 5SE | Good (2025) |
| 7 | Busy Bees (Durham) Ltd Full day care · 169 places · DH1 5HW | Good (2024) |
| 8 | Stepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd Full day care · 22 places · DH1 4HF | Good (2024) |
| 9 | Woodlands Day Nursery Full day care · 55 places · DH7 8XQ | Good (2023) |
| 10 | Adventure Valley Day Nursery Full day care · 86 places · DH1 5SG | Good (2022) |
| 11 | St Hild's Bright Beginnings Sessional day care · 9 places · DH1 2HZ | Not yet inspected |
How much does nursery cost in Durham?
Typical weekly nursery prices for a child under two in North East, from the Coram Childcare Survey 2026. A guide only: ask each nursery for its own fees.
Working parents in England can get 30 funded hours a week in term time from when their child is 9 months old, so a 25-hour place can cost little or nothing in term time. Every 3 and 4 year old gets at least 15 funded hours. Funded hours cover 38 weeks a year; nurseries can charge for extra hours, meals and activities. Check what you can get at Childcare Choices.
Questions
What are the best nurseries in Durham?
Of 11 nurseries and pre-schools in Durham, 3 have Ofsted's top results (Outstanding, or mostly strong or exceptional on the new report card). Listed first: Clever Clogs Day Nursery, The Laurels Child Care, Durham University Day Nursery.
How much does nursery cost in Durham?
In North East, a part-time place (25 hours a week) for a child under two typically costs £166 a week without funded hours (Coram Childcare Survey 2026). Working parents can get 30 funded hours a week in term time from 9 months.
How many nurseries are there in Durham?
11 Ofsted-registered nurseries and pre-schools, 10 of them inspected so far.
Nurseries nearby
Bishop Auckland · Chester-le-Street · Consett · Newton Aycliffe · Peterlee · Seaham · Spennymoor · Stanley (County Durham) · Bishop · Newton
Source: Ofsted early years inspections. Ofsted's report card (from November 2025) grades curriculum, achievement, behaviour, children's welfare and leadership as exceptional, strong, expected, needs attention or urgent improvement; earlier inspections gave one overall grade.