Preschools & Crèches in Durban
Looking for a preschool, crèche or aftercare in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal? Here's what parents should know before enrolling in 2026: what care typically costs, how to verify a school is registered, and the checks that matter on a visit.
Typical fees in Durban (2026)
| Programme | Typical monthly fee |
|---|---|
| Full-day crèche / preschool (private) | R1 400 – R6 000 |
| Half-day programme | R800 – R3 800 |
| Community / subsidised ECD programme | Often under R1,200 |
Umhlanga and Ballito schools sit at the top of the range.
Fee ranges are indicative estimates for private full-day programmes and vary widely by area, hours, meals and age group. Community and subsidised ECD programmes can cost far less. Always confirm fees directly with the school.
Budgeting tip: plan for the advertised fee plus roughly 15% to cover registration fees, levies and annual increases — see our full fees guide.
Preschools & crèches in Durban (278)
The Distinction Factory
16 Vees Pl, Shallcross, Queensburgh, 4079
★ 5.0· 202 Google reviews
HAKUNA MATATA PRE-SCHOOL
28 Laughton Ave, Glenashley, Durban North, 4051
★ 5.0· 48 Google reviews
Waterfall Pre-Primary School
111 Ngwele Rd, Pinetown NU, Hillcrest, 3610
★ 4.9· 48 Google reviews
Cottonfield Daycare,Creche,Pre-school
56 Silver Ave, Windermere, Durban, 4001
★ 4.9· 42 Google reviews
Bugzee's Play Centre and Pre-School
26 Bangay Rd, Montclair, Durban, 4004
★ 4.9· 32 Google reviews
Happy Feet Pre Primary and Daycare
235 Problem Mkhize Rd, Essenwood, Berea, 4001
★ 4.7· 28 Google reviews
Prestige Baby & Kidz Academy Umhlanga
31 Zenith Dr, uMhlanga, 4319
★ 5.0· 27 Google reviews
Play & Learn Preschool
215 Station Ridge Rd, Durban North, Durban, 4051
★ 4.4· 27 Google reviews
Kids Academy Africa Amanzimtoti
37 Wessex Dr, St Winifreds, Kingsburgh, 4126
★ 4.5· 25 Google reviews
Kiddies Junction Creche, Day Care, Aftercare, Grade 1 To 3
133 Innes Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001
★ 4.0· 24 Google reviews
We Friends Pre-Primary Schools
48 Gordon Rd, Windermere, Durban, 4001
★ 4.8· 23 Google reviews
Shining Stars Daycare & Aftercare Centre
187 Brand Rd, Glenwood, Durban, 4001
★ 4.7· 23 Google reviews
Care Bears Wonderland
Durban, 3 Bradford Pl, Pinetown CBD, Pinetown, 3610
★ 4.8· 23 Google reviews
Lilliput Learners Pre-Primary School
Scully Rd, Glenwood, Durban, 4001
★ 5.0· 22 Google reviews
Mothergoose Preschool Glenwood
257 Che Guevara Rd, Bulwer, Durban, 4001
★ 5.0· 20 Google reviews
Noah's Ark Pre-School & Day Care Centre Amanzimtoti
100 Bernadotte St, Amanzimtoti, Durban, 4126
★ 4.5· 19 Google reviews
Sandy's Aftercare & Holiday Care
34 Stafford Rd, Cowies Hill, Pinetown, 3610
★ 5.0· 18 Google reviews
John Wesley Pre-Primary School
4 Daventry Pl, La Lucia, uMhlanga, 4051
★ 4.8· 18 Google reviews
Dr Indira Naidoo's Early Learning Academy
17 White Hall Pl, Greenbury, Phoenix, 4068
★ 3.6· 18 Google reviews
Honeybeez Pre-school and After Care
96 Mariannhill Rd, Ashley, Pinetown, 3610
★ 4.7· 17 Google reviews
Parkside Kids Academy
3 Battersea Road Malvern Queensburgh, Malvern, Durban, 4093
★ 4.8· 16 Google reviews
Rainbow's End Pre-primary School
26 1st Street, Mount Vernon Rd, Hillary, Durban, 4094
★ 4.5· 16 Google reviews
Happyfeet Creche And Aftercare
42 Innerford place Sunford Phoenix, Phoenix, Durban, 4068
★ 3.7· 15 Google reviews
Apple Jacks Pre-School C.C.
166 Montclair Rd, Woodlands, Durban, 4004
★ 4.4· 14 Google reviews
Hugz and Kisses Creche and Aftercare
152 Cardinal Rd, Stonebridge, Phoenix, 4068
★ 5.0· 14 Google reviews
Tiny champs pre primary and daycare
98 Cannon Ave, Overport, Durban, 4091
★ 4.4· 13 Google reviews
Saturn Pre Primary School
7 Saturn Rd, Chiltern Hills, Westville, 3629
★ 4.5· 13 Google reviews
CityHill Preschool & Aftercare
56 Mariannhill Rd, Ashley, Pinetown, 3600
★ 5.0· 12 Google reviews
Parkside Educare Centre & Aftercare
19 Victoria Cres, Malvern, Queensburgh, 4093
★ 4.4· 12 Google reviews
Little Einsteins Umhlanga Rocks
Cabana Beach Resort, Lagoon Dr, Umhlanga Rocks, uMhlanga, 4320
★ 4.6· 12 Google reviews
Little Treasures Preschool
201 Golf Course Dr, Mount Edgecombe Country Estate 2, Durban, 4300
★ 4.7· 12 Google reviews
Westville Pre-Primary School
Ferndale Ave, Westville, Durban, 3630
★ 4.7· 12 Google reviews
Peekaboo Creche and Aftercare
1 5th way Campbell's town Rockford Phoenix, Rockford, Durban, 4000
★ 4.7· 12 Google reviews
Phoenix Child Welfare
10 Featherstone Pl, Whetstone, Phoenix, 4068
★ 4.3· 12 Google reviews
Abba's House Pre-school & Aftercare
49 Maurice Nichols Rd, Hatton Estate, Pinetown, 3610
★ 5.0· 11 Google reviews
Little Einsteins Umhlanga Ridge ( Nursery ,Play Group & Preprimary)
PGA Park, 46 Meridian Dr, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4319
★ 4.7· 11 Google reviews
Showing the 60 most-reviewed of 278 listings in Durban.
Before you enrol: the 5-minute checklist
- Registration: ask to see the ECD programme registration certificate and staff vetting against the Child Protection Register and the National Register for Sex Offenders.
- Ratios: roughly 1 adult per 6 babies, 1:12 for toddlers, 1:20 for 3–4 year olds.
- Security: controlled access, sign-in for visitors, a clear list of who may collect your child.
- Hygiene: child-height toilets or potties, handwashing routine, certified kitchen if meals are served.
- The feel: visit mid-morning — engaged children and warm, unhurried staff tell you more than any brochure.
Full detail in How to choose a preschool and 25 questions to ask on a tour.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a crèche or preschool cost in Durban?
Full-day private crèche and preschool fees in Durban typically range from R1 400 to R6 000 per month in 2026. Half-day programmes typically cost R800 to R3 800. Community and subsidised ECD programmes cost significantly less. Fees vary by hours, meals and age group, so always confirm directly with the school.
How do I check if a crèche in Durban is registered?
Ask the school to show you its ECD programme registration certificate. Early childhood development programmes in South Africa register through the Department of Basic Education, and staff must be vetted against the National Child Protection Register and the National Register for Sex Offenders. A legitimate school will show you its paperwork without hesitation.
What age should my child start preschool in Durban?
Most children join a structured preschool programme between ages 3 and 4. Grade R (the compulsory reception year) is for children turning 5 by 30 June of that year. Crèches and daycare accept children from around 3 months, typically when parental leave ends.
What should I look for when visiting a preschool in Durban?
Check registration paperwork, adult-to-child ratios (roughly 1:6 for babies up to 1:20 for 3–4 year olds), secure access control, clean age-appropriate bathrooms, shaded outdoor play space, and staff who engage warmly with children. Visit mid-morning on a normal weekday rather than only at an open day.