Nursery Cost Calculator UK
Find out how much nursery costs in your area. Compare fees by region and age group to plan your childcare budget for 2024/25.
Average Nursery Costs by Region (Daily Rate)
| Region | Under 2 | 2 Years | 3-4 Years | Monthly (FT)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner London | £79.00 | £74.00 | £70.00 | £1738 |
| Outer London | £70.00 | £66.00 | £63.00 | £1540 |
| South East | £67.00 | £63.00 | £60.00 | £1474 |
| South West | £62.00 | £58.00 | £55.00 | £1364 |
| East of England | £64.00 | £60.00 | £57.00 | £1408 |
| West Midlands | £58.00 | £54.00 | £51.00 | £1276 |
| East Midlands | £56.00 | £52.00 | £49.00 | £1232 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £55.00 | £51.00 | £48.00 | £1210 |
| North West | £54.00 | £50.00 | £47.00 | £1188 |
| North East | £50.00 | £46.00 | £44.00 | £1100 |
| Wales | £53.00 | £49.00 | £46.00 | £1166 |
| Scotland | £52.00 | £48.00 | £45.00 | £1144 |
| Northern Ireland | £48.00 | £45.00 | £42.00 | £1056 |
*Monthly cost based on full-time (5 days/week, ~22 days/month) for under-2s. Actual costs vary by provider.
Understanding Nursery Costs
Full-Time Care (5 days)
Typically 8am-6pm, ~50 hours/week
£1,100 - £1,750/month
Part-Time Care (3 days)
~30 hours/week
£660 - £1,050/month
Sessional Care (mornings only)
~25 hours/week
£500 - £850/month
Why Nursery Costs Vary
- •Location: London costs 40%+ more than northern regions
- •Age: Under-2s need higher staff ratios (1:3 vs 1:8 for 3+)
- •Hours: Extended hours and flexibility add costs
- •Extras: Meals, nappies, activities may be additional
- •Type: Private nurseries often cost more than community/charity run
How to Reduce Nursery Costs
Why Age Affects Nursery Costs
Under 2 Years
Highest Cost
Staff ratio: 1:3
Babies and toddlers need intensive care, frequent nappy changes, and individual attention.
2 Years Old
Medium Cost
Staff ratio: 1:4
Slightly lower ratios but still high needs. Some 2-year-olds qualify for 15 free hours.
3-4 Years
Lower Cost
Staff ratio: 1:8
All children get 15 free hours. Working parents may get 30 free hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does nursery cost per month UK?
Full-time nursery in the UK costs between £1,100-£1,750 per month depending on your location. Inner London is most expensive at around £1,750/month, while northern regions average £1,100-£1,200/month.
Why is childcare so expensive?
Childcare is expensive due to strict staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for babies), high property costs, competitive wages needed to attract qualified staff, insurance, and regulatory compliance costs.
Is nursery cheaper than a childminder?
Childminders are typically 15-25% cheaper than nurseries, averaging £5-7 per hour vs £6-9 for nurseries. However, availability varies and nurseries offer more structured environments with multiple staff.
What extras do I need to pay for at nursery?
Additional costs may include: registration fees (£50-£200), meals (£3-8/day if not included), nappies/wipes (if not provided), uniform, late pickup fees, and holiday retainer fees.
How can I reduce nursery costs?
Use government schemes: Tax-Free Childcare (save £2,000/year), 30 hours free for 3-4 year olds (save £7,500+), Universal Credit childcare element (85% of costs). Some employers offer childcare benefits too.
When should I start looking for nursery places?
Start looking 6-12 months before you need a place, especially for babies. Popular nurseries often have waiting lists. Many parents put their name down during pregnancy.
Calculate Your True Childcare Costs
Use our comprehensive calculator to see your actual costs after government support, including Tax-Free Childcare and free hours entitlements.
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