Nursery fees calculator with free hours

Average nursery fees

In England, 25 hours a week at a nursery for a child under 2 costs an average of £188.75 a week if you don't get funded hours. For working parents who do, a full-time place (50 hours) for an under-2 averages £148.82 a week in term time, and £132.72 for a 3 or 4 year old. In Scotland the 25-hour price for an under-2 is £133.08, and in Wales £163.33. Every English region is in childcare costs by region.

Why the bill is higher than you expect

Free hours are funded for 38 weeks. If your nursery is open 51 weeks and you use it all year, the other weeks are charged at the full rate unless the nursery stretches your hours across the year. Full-time in Coram's survey means 50 hours a week; if you use more than 30 hours, you pay for the rest.

Nurseries can also charge for meals, nappies, suncream, trips and activities, as long as these are voluntary, and can ask for a deposit as long as it's refundable. Ask for a sample invoice on your exact pattern before you sign.

Paying the rest

Working parents can pay the remaining bill, extras included, through Tax-Free Childcare, which adds 20%. On Universal Credit, you can claim back 85% of the paid hours through the childcare element instead.