Categories > Education
The 5 Best Mom-Approved Nurseries in Manchester
Looking for the perfect nursery in Manchester for your little one can feel like a daunting task. As a parent, you want a place that feels like a second home — where your child can learn, play, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
The challenge? Finding a nursery that ticks all the boxes.
After all, you shouldn’t have to settle when it comes to your child’s care and early education.
Which brings us to today’s focus. We’ve explored Manchester to uncover the top nurseries that provide the best care and developmental opportunities for your child.
Let’s dive into the options that promise to give your child a great start on their learning journey.
1. Newton Heath Sure Start Children’s Centre
Services: Nursery, Child Care
Website: https://hsm.manchester.gov.uk/
Address: Great Newton St
Contact Details: +44 161 413 5790
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 5/5 |
Staff Qualifications | 5/5 |
Facilities | 4/5 |
Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
Location | 4/5 |
Operating Hours | 5/5 |
Pricing(A higher rating means better value) | 5/5 |
Pros
- Free to low-cost services
- Passionate staff members
Cons
- Basic facilities
- Opens late
- Far from public transportation stop
We like that Newton Heath Sure Start Children’s Centre offers a wide range of support services for children under five and their families. Here, they provide early education, childcare, health, and family support services.
On top of this, the centre is both affordable and accessible, thanks to subsidies from the local government. We’re happy to share that their services are free to low-cost for most families.
While their services may not be as comprehensive as some other nurseries, we believe that their colourful and child-friendly facilities make up for it. Little ones can enjoy themselves while learning in a vibrant environment.
Additionally, the staff members at the centre are also known for their dedication. One parent shared that their child comes home every day talking about how much fun they had with the staff.
Sadly, they open late at 8:30 am which can be concerning for parents who need to drop off their kids before work.
Additionally, we’re a bit concerned that the centre is a nine-minute walk from the nearest public transport stop at Newton Heath & Moston. This may be less convenient for those reliant on public transportation.
Despite this minor inconvenience, the centre remains a top choice due to their affordability and passionate staff.
2. Tiny Steps Nursery
Services: Nursery, Child Care
Website: https://tinystepsnursery.co.uk/
Address: 76 Greville St
Contact Details: +44 161 248 7300
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.6/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 5/5 |
Staff Qualifications | 5/5 |
Facilities | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
Location | 4/5 |
Operating Hours | 5/5 |
Pricing(A higher rating means better value) | 5/5 |
Pros
- Small class size
- Commendable facilities
- Constant updates to parents
- Late closing time
- Affordable
Cons
- Far from public transportation stops
Tiny Steps Nursery prides themselves on maintaining small operating sizes, allowing them to tailor their approach to meet each child’s individual needs and interests. For us, this personalised attention helps children thrive in a nurturing environment.
The nursery also boasts commendable facilities: from spacious playrooms to an inviting outdoor play area. We also like that children have access to a range of age-appropriate toys, games, and learning resources that stimulate their development.
Furthermore, we commend that parents are kept well-informed about their child’s progress, development, and achievements. Regular updates ensure parents are always in the loop and can actively engage in their child’s growth.
We believe that they’re worthy consideration due to their affordability. They accept Free Childcare, 30-hour Childcare, or Universal Credit Childcare subsidy depending on the parents’ situation — making them accessible to many families.
We’re just a bit concerned that they are far from public transportation stops. In fact, they’re an eight-minute walk away from the Denison Road stop.
Despite this, we appreciate that their hours extend until 6:00 pm which provides ample time for parents to pick up their children after work.
Overall, we think that they’re an ideal choice for parents who value personalised learning and collaboration with their nursery.
3. WMB Hillcity Day Nursery
Services: Nursery, Child Care
Website: https://wmbchildcare.co.
Address: Start Children Centre, Cheetham Sure, Cheetham Park, Cheetham Hill
Contact Details: +44 161 705 0851
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.8/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.6/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 5/5 |
Staff Qualifications | 5/5 |
Facilities | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 5/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Operating Hours | 5/5 |
Pricing(A higher rating means better value) | 4/5 |
Pros
- Award-winning nursery
- Competitive staff members
- Close contact to parents
- Accessible location
Cons
- Expensive services
WMB Hillcity Day Nursery is an award-winning establishment. In fact, we’re impressed they’ve been recognised as one of the top 20 centres by daynurseries.co.uk for several years.
We believe that this accolade is thanks to the high standards upheld by their esteemed team of childcare professionals. Leading the team is Claudia Adamache, their Area Coach, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
Furthermore, we learned that she also possesses a Level 6 qualification in Childcare and a Level 3 qualification in Team Leading & Supervision.
We also commend that they maintain close contact with parents — ensuring regular updates on their child’s development. They even foster a strong Parent Community that encourages active parental involvement.
Although the nursery is a bit expensive compared to others in the area, we like that they offer 15 to 30 funded hours of subsidy depending on the parents’ situation.
They’re also conveniently located near the city centre. We’re happy that the nursery is just a three-minute walk from the Barrow Hill Road stop — a significant advantage for busy parents.
Their operating hours are particularly accommodating as well. They’re opening early at 7:30 am and closing late at 6:00 pm — earning plus points from us.
4. Paint Pots Day Nursery
Services: Nursery, Child Care
Website: https://paintpotsnurseries.co.uk/
Address: Ground Floor, Bracken House, Charles St
Contact Details: +44 161 273 3211
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
Total Reviews | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 5/5 |
Staff Qualifications | 5/5 |
Facilities | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 5/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Operating Hours | 5/5 |
Pricing(A higher rating means better value) | 4/5 |
Pros
- Accessible location
- Opens early
- Spacious facilities
- Small class size
- Competitive staff members
Cons
- Expensive services
Paint Pots Day Nursery stood out to us due to their exceptional accessibility. They’re located in Manchester City Centre where they’re conveniently accessible whether you use private or public transportation.
They’re also open from 8:00 am which gives parents plenty of time to drop their kids off before starting their day — and for that, we give them plus points.
They also boast excellent facilities. Upon visiting them, we were impressed by their spacious playrooms and well-equipped outdoor areas.
On top of that, they also provide a healthy menu for the kids. We think it’s great that they have food freshly prepared each day by an onsite qualified cook, following a rotating four-week plan.
The nursery also maintains a small number of children per class, allowing staff to provide personalised care. For us, this ensures each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.
We also commend that their staff are highly competitive and well-qualified. For instance, Sophie Woodcock (the manager) holds a Level 3 certification in Early Years Child Care—parents can rest easy that their kids are in good hands.
While they’re more expensive compared to other nurseries, we believe that this is understandable given their prime location and the expertise of their staff.
5. Bright Eyes Day Nursery
Services: Nursery, Child Care
Website: http://www.brighteyes.org.uk/
Address: Royce Rd
Contact Details: +44 161 222 5770
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.9/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 5/5 |
Staff Qualifications | 5/5 |
Facilities | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
Location | 4/5 |
Operating Hours | 5/5 |
Pricing(A higher rating means better value) | 5/5 |
Pros
- Caters to a wide age range
- Serves snacks
- Indoor and outdoor facilities
- After school clubs
Cons
- Far from public transportation stops
Bright Eyes Day Nursery has been a staple in the community since 1999. We love that they cater to a wide range of children: from as young as 3 months old to teenagers up to 16 years of age.
Additionally, the nursery provides up to five healthy snacks throughout the day, all prepared by an onsite certified cook. For us, this setup is ideal for parents who don’t have enough time to prepare meals every day.
As for the facilities, we found that these include indoor classrooms, where most activities take place, and a fenced outdoor area. This combination allows for a balanced mix of indoor learning and outdoor play.
For children between 3 and 11, it’s notable that they offer after school clubs. These clubs feature activities such as cooking, baking, arts, crafts, and sports, keeping kids engaged and entertained, setting them apart from other nurseries in the area if you ask us.
We must note that the nursery is a bit far from the nearest public transportation stop, about eight minutes away from Royce Road. However, this slight inconvenience is mitigated by their long operating hours.
We give them a big thumbs up for being open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, making them ideal for busy parents.