Preschools & Crèches in Pietermaritzburg
Looking for a preschool, crèche or aftercare in Pietermaritzburg, 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 Pietermaritzburg (2026)
| Programme | Typical monthly fee |
|---|---|
| Full-day crèche / preschool (private) | R1 200 – R5 500 |
| Half-day programme | R700 – R3 500 |
| Community / subsidised ECD programme | Often under R1,200 |
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 Pietermaritzburg (51)
Little footprints Pre-chool & Day care
104 Peter Kerchhoff St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 4.8· 27 Google reviews
Kings & Queens Daycare & Educare Centre
547 Burger St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 22 Google reviews
Montessori Preschool
61 Manning Ave, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 4.7· 21 Google reviews
The Montessori Nest
18 Athlone Rd, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 21 Google reviews
HIGH FLYERS EDUCARE CENTRE AND PRE-PRIMARY
58 Bernard Rd, Allandale, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 19 Google reviews
Open Door Preschool & Daycare Centre
21 Timlas Rd, Raisethorpe, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 17 Google reviews
Kidz Corner Pre - Primary School
55 Braid St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 4.3· 9 Google reviews
Gemini Pre- Primary
82 Cleland Rd, Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 4.5· 8 Google reviews
Hayfields Preschool & Daycare
116 Hesketh Dr, Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 4.4· 7 Google reviews
Little Hearts Community School
18 Carbis Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 3.9· 7 Google reviews
TubbyLand DayCare & EduCare
336 Alexandra Rd, Pelham, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 3.3· 7 Google reviews
Kingdom Kids Preschool and Daycare
8 New Scotland Rd, Pelham, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 6 Google reviews
Wonderkids Montessori
9 Noodsberg Rd, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 6 Google reviews
Pitter Patter Preschool Pietermaritzburg
388 Boom St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 5 Google reviews
Happy Beginnings Daycare Centre
59 Charles Barter Rd, The Grange, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 5 Google reviews
Lindiwe Educare Centre
19 Hutchinson Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209
★ 4.0· 5 Google reviews
Funtasia Pre-School
274 Alexandra Rd, Pelham, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 2.8· 5 Google reviews
Little Treasures
1 Amazon Rd, Scottsville Extention, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 5 Google reviews
Merry Land Pre-School
290 Balhambra Way, Northdale, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 4 Google reviews
New Beginners Daycare Centre
3 George St, Central, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 4.8· 4 Google reviews
Epworth Pre-Primary
95 Golf Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 4 Google reviews
Linda's Jack and Jill Daycare
14 Holder Rd, Bisley, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 3 Google reviews
Kumon Maths and English Pietermaritzburg, Hayfields
corner of Olsen and, 115 Hesketh Dr, Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 3 Google reviews
Hilton Gardens Children's Academy
29 William Younger Dr, Hilton Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, 3245
★ 5.0· 2 Google reviews
Kidz Palace Day Care & Educare
2 Legion Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 2 Google reviews
Mini Miracles preschool and daycare
187 Deccan Rd, Newholme, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 2 Google reviews
Flying unicorn daycare
106 Jesmond Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 4.5· 2 Google reviews
Club Pure & Pure Preschool - Pietermaritzburg
44 Foxon Rd, Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
★ 5.0· 1 Google reviews
Happy Hearts Crèche
3 Primula Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209
★ 3.0· 1 Google reviews
Thandokuhle creche & pre-school
1267, Unit 12 Azalea Ave, Bellevue, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
★ 5.0· 1 Google reviews
Sunnylea PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL AND AFTERCARE CENTRE
75 Villiers Dr, Clarendon, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
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 Pietermaritzburg?
Full-day private crèche and preschool fees in Pietermaritzburg typically range from R1 200 to R5 500 per month in 2026. Half-day programmes typically cost R700 to R3 500. 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 Pietermaritzburg 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 Pietermaritzburg?
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 Pietermaritzburg?
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.