The 30 Best Childcare and education programs in Manchester

“Adventure babies has been fantastic! Our daughter has thoroughly loved them (as have I), and this is by far the best parent and baby class we have been to. Really well thought through and executed sessions, With fantastic toys and accessories, always tailored to that weeks book. Cannot recommend these sessions and Hannah (who organises them) more highly, and we have already signed up for the next term!”

“The Yaqadoodle team have been amazing at helping us and our son transition into their setting! It's a lovely and cozy place where they've gotten to know our boy really well. He has grown so much much in the months that he's been there!”

“I would like to really thank Mike for the continuous support and updates through the recruitment process and for understanding. Mike was available out of hours and always got back to me, he sent me links and helped me prepare for the interview. It was a really quick process and I thank this company so much, I highly recommend this company and I couldn't of done it without your help or support. Thanks again :)”

“An amazing team of dedicated childminders. Jade, Gem, and Janet are an absolute joy to be around and work with and they really know how to connect with children and make them feel comfortable. Our little one loves them and loves going to the nursery, and there are always fun new activities to do and learn from. Lots of new friends have been made and it has become like a second home. We are kept updated throughout the day with a daily diary and photos on our own personal group chat. We would not hesitate to recommend the nursery to anyone looking for dedicated childminders. A very big thank you to Jade and the team for everything you do, keep up the great work, you're AMAAAZING!”

“Early inspirations is an absolute amazing nursery. My daughter is 2 years old and she has settled in that nursery very well. The daily activities help to develop my daughter's learning and I have seen a massive improvement in my daughter's understanding and learning development. Thanks to the staff, everyone there are soo friendly and helpful, I like this nursery very much. I appreciate all the hard work the staff go through Thank you”

“My son attended Bright Futures for almost 3 and a half years up until starting school. He absolutely loved the nursery and I cannot fault them. He received not only amazing care but his confidence and skills flourished. Hayley, Angela and Lauren really care about the children and this is reflected through the whole nursery. He left confident and ready for primary school and they’ve certainly helped with that!”

“Since starting at the nursery over a year ago my 2 girls have come on in leaps and bounds.There are so many educational and fun activities that are incorporated into the nursery routine.The children even do yoga!! My girls come home everyday singing and in a cheery mood. The staff really take the time out to get to know and understand the wants and needs of the children individually and as a group and commuinication with myself and father has been very good.Would highly recommend this nursery.”

“Our daughter started at Fisherfield Nursery last September after receiving many recommendations from other parents. She has done a full year there now and we couldn't recommend it enough. She settled in wonderfully, and we feel so reassured by the care and attention she receives. The staff are approachable and accommodating, always ready to address any questions we have. It's been lovely to receive daily updates, including photos of her happily participating in various activities. We have also had the opportunity to spend time with her in nursey during special events that they have held. She is thriving, and it’s clear that the nursery provides a nurturing and engaging environment for her to do so.”

“My daughter started here 2 years ago and is just about to leave and move onto school. During this time she has had the most lovely care by all of the staff. They take part in some wonderful activities. To see her run to the door ( and more recently ) gave me sit outside early as she can’t wait to get in, is a credit to the staff. Thank you for always taking such good care of my daughter and I’m feeling sad to be leaving”

“My little boy attends Playdays and we are very happy with the care that he receives. This is a fantastic nursery with excellent facilities. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They are focussed on his development and they look at children individually. I would recommend this nursery to family and friends”

“It's a nice little place, if you want to take your little one or have any apointment depending on what, receptionist is very nice & friendly, super welcoming.”

“From the moment we walked through the doors, Tiny Steps has exceeded all of our expectations! The staff made us feel welcome, supported, and confident in the care they provide. The nurturing environment, thoughtful curriculum, and genuine love shown to the children have been outstanding. Our child has grown emotionally, socially, and intellectually during their time here. Each day is filled with engaging activities, outdoor play, and lots of learning through fun. The staff are not only professional and well-trained, but also warm, approachable, and truly invested in each child’s development. What sets this nursery apart is the level of individual attention and care. The communication with parents is excellent — we always feel informed and included. Most importantly, our child is excited to go every morning and comes home smiling and full of stories. We’re incredibly grateful to have found such a wonderful place. Highly recommended to any parent looking for a safe, caring, and enriching start to their child’s early years.”

“My daughters have been going here for 2 and half years now. One of my daughters has quite complex medical needs and the nursery staff couldnt be more helpful with her. Always asking for updates on how to best support her.”

“Our daughter currently attends Ramillies Hall Nursery and she is absolutely thriving, thanks to the kind, caring, nurturing and dedicated team of staff. The Nursery is set in beautiful surroundings which the children are lucky enough to regularly enjoy. The children spend hours outside playing, engaging in planned activities and heading off on welly walks through the grounds and fields. Communication is also spot on, if you have any concerns on drop off, the staff happily keep you updated throughout the day. You are also regularly updated with your child’s progress, including meetings and written reports and most importantly the feedback you receive, certainly in our case, highlights how well the staff know your child. Overall our daughter is happy, she loves Nursery and the staff who care for her. We couldn’t recommend Ramillies highly enough!”

“Jungle J’s Play and Party Centre in Manchester is a lively and well designed indoor space ideal for children and families. The play equipment is varied and engaging with multiple slides, ball pits and climbing frames that keep young ones busy. The staff are attentive, friendly and helpful, making sure safety and fun go hand in hand. The party packages are comprehensive and simplified, including food, decorations and dedicated party host support. Parents can relax in a clean, comfortable seating area with refreshments while keeping an eye on the kids. It’s a dependable choice for a fun-filled celebration or casual play session regardless of the weather.”

“Our kids both enjoyed their time here. Holly felt at home and grew in confidence. Staff were considered as friends”

“We've been coming to Little Legends for the past 5 and a half years for both my children. The staff has been very caring and supportive during our time here, helping us through various milestones and preparing them for reception!”

“When investigating local childcare options for our daughter, we were stuck between the homely setting of a childminder and the consistency of a nursery - to us Swan’s offered the best of both worlds... The setting As a small setting it has a real family feel and impressed us from the outset with Nicola (Nursery Manager) showing real pride in touring us. There are three rooms: Baby, Tweenies and Pre-School and all are well loved and maintained with changing seasonal displays, toys and activities. There is an outdoor garden area that offers great stimulation - it isn't the largest but they do make great use of it! Overall, it's an inclusive and diverse community atmosphere. The staff All of the staff are excellent and the majority are extremely experienced. Management have been in place 20+ years and Toni in the baby room has been at Swan's for years & years (so many, I forget!) - I found this reassuring when our daughter first started at 9 months old. The staff have remained consistent throughout our daughter’s 3 years at Swan’s with only a small, natural turnover - always a good sign! The staff are friendly, caring and vigilant and work hard to bond with the children and encourage development on an individual basis. They seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs and workplace. Many of the staff also have their own children (not that this matters but some may find it comforting to know.) Ofsted Swans is rated Ofsted 'Good with Outstanding features' (personal development being one area they excel at.) It’s one of the higher rated Ofsted nurseries in the Prestwich area but often seems to get overlooked - I'm never quite sure why! It's a hidden gem. Rates, funding and inclusions Contact the nursery for the latest rates and funding info - all childcare is expensive but I remember it being one of the more reasonable rates in the area! Provisions includes breakfast, lunch and a light tea at around 4pm. Nappies, wipes and suncream are included for comparison purposes. Core hours Included in the standard daily payment rate is drop-off from 08.00am and collection by 5.30pm. You can pay a small fee extra to drop-off earlier (from 7.30am) and collect later (by 6pm.) Location & Parking Swans is located on Whittaker Lane - just 3 minutes walk from the Heaton Park metrolink stop. There is on-street parking behind the nursery on Earl Street - ideal for drop off & pick up, you will never find yourself fighting for a spot. App & tracking Swans uses the Learning Journals app to detail your child's day, communications and events. Up until pre-school - sleep, food intake, toileting and development milestones are all logged on the app along with regular pictures and videos of what your kiddo has been doing during the nursery day. Accidents/Incidents are also recorded via the app. Extracurricular activities My daughter has enjoyed regular seasonal walks/trips to Heaton Park, Stretch & Grow exercise classes (and for a very small fee extra) externally provided French lessons. Pre-school trips have been to Smithill's Farm and the Transport museum. Swans also put on an amazing graduation ceremony - it was above and beyond expectation with some lovely small take-home keepsakes. Other features There is secure on-site pram parking within the nursery boundary for those who need it. Summary We've been extremely happy with our experience of Swans for 3+ years. If we were to have any more children there is no doubt that I'd be popping my name down on the waiting list ASAP. Plus, both of my daughter’s Grandmas are retired primary school teachers and both have independently commented on how good her development has been (and now she's older - her readiness for school) crediting it largely to Swans and its staff. A huge thanks to Nicola, Emma, Joanne, Toni, Sana, Rachel, Leona, Kira and Ciara - you all do an amazing job and we’ll miss you & the amazing environment you work so hard to create on a daily basis.”

“My Daughter (3) loves coming to this class and enjoys showing her Family the new moves shes learned each week. Miss Emily is so lovely and I'd recommend to anyone”

“Teachers are well trained and honest in their job very kind to every child”

“I need to move in..me legs av had it now..”

“My daughter went her for a short time fab place friendly staff”

“Thank you so much to ABC for all your kind lovely helping and supporting my daughter in every way they can do, she has really enjoyed her 2 years here and has developed alot of learning skills, social skills she needs to go further to start at reception for September. Brilliant staff and such nice ladies work here. Isabella will sure miss it all. Thanks again”

“We’ve been going with my LB since he was a teeny baby and he loves the classes! He has learnt so much and he has developed so much in every way. He’s so much more confident and love going to this class. I’m gutted this is his last term and I know we will both miss it! I can’t recommend it enough!”

“My little girl loves coming to nursery always smiling when she coming home. Staff are amazing with her and all the other children the managers and directors will go above and beyond to make sure all parents are happy with the service they get at the nursery and will sort any problems out straight away if needed. Thank you paintpots for looking after my girl”

“I can't thank enough to the staff of Children for Most. Both of my boys spent their nursery life there, they turned to very happy and healthy boys. The manager is so supportive, staff are very professional. I have recommended this nursery to all my friends!”