# How we rank nurseries

How the "Recommended" order on Toddly works, in plain English. Nurseries cannot pay to appear higher.

Updated 12 November 2026. Page: https://toddly.co.uk/how-we-rank

**Nurseries cannot pay to appear higher.** A nursery's plan, whether it pays us, and whether it has claimed its page play no part in the order. This page explains exactly what does.

## Recommended

Every nursery gets a score out of 9 from three things parents told us matter most. Lists show the highest score first. Nurseries with the same score are listed A to Z.

### 1. Key details we know (up to 4 points)

One point each when the nursery's page shows:

- its fees,
- its opening hours,
- the ages it takes,
- whether it offers funded places.

We reward complete information because it lets you compare nurseries properly. It says nothing about quality, which is why it is only part of the score.

### 2. Ofsted (up to 3 points)

| Latest Ofsted outcome | Points |
|---|---|
| Outstanding | 3 |
| Good | 2 |
| Report card (inspected since November 2025; there is no single grade, so we never invent one) | 1.5 |
| Not inspected yet | 1 |
| Requires improvement | 0.5 |
| Inadequate | 0 |

### 3. What parents say (up to 2 points)

We combine the nursery's Google rating with the reviews parents publish on Toddly, then add ten imaginary "average" reviews of 4.2 stars. That stops a nursery with two 5-star reviews jumping above one with a hundred 4.8-star reviews. The result scores 0 points at 4.0 stars or below, rising to 2 points at 4.4 stars or above.

## When you search near a place

When you search near a postcode or use your location, the list is ordered by distance, nearest first. You can still choose Recommended; then each kilometre away takes one point off the score, so a slightly better-scoring nursery across town does not push a good one round the corner down the list.

## Other orders

The Sort menu also offers price (lowest full-day fee first), Ofsted grade (best first) and Google rating (highest first). Nurseries we have no information for go to the end of those lists, never the top.

## Filters

A filter shows only nurseries that say they match. A nursery that has not told us, for example its ages, is left out while that filter is on: that is not a "no", and clearing the filter brings it back. Filters we cannot answer for anyone in an area are not shown there.

Questions about how we rank? Email hello@toddly.co.uk.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can a nursery pay to appear higher?

No. Nurseries cannot pay to appear higher. A nursery's plan, whether it pays us, and whether it has claimed its page are not part of the order.

### Why is a nursery with a great reputation below one I've never heard of?

Usually because we know less about it. A nursery that publishes its fees, hours, ages and funded places scores higher, because parents can compare it properly. Any nursery can add these details by claiming its page for free.

### Can I sort another way?

Yes. Use the Sort menu to order by price, Ofsted grade, Google rating, or distance when you search near a postcode.