Childcare costs 2026: How much do you pay in the UK?

Childcare costs in the UK vary depending on where you live, your child’s age, the type of childcare you choose and how many hours you need each week.

In England, eligible working parents can receive 30 funded childcare hours a week, significantly reducing the amount they pay.

This guide compares the average costs of nurseries, childminders and other childcare options in 2026, explains what financial support is available and highlights additional costs to consider.

How much does childcare cost in the UK in 2026?

The average cost of childcare depends on whether you choose a nursery, childminder or nanny, and whether you’re eligible for funded childcare.

Coram’s Childcare Survey 2026 found that childcare costs for eligible working parents in England have fallen following the expansion of funded childcare.

However, fees remain higher for families who don’t qualify for funding, and costs vary considerably across the UK.

Average weekly nursery costs for children under two

Country	Part-time (25 hours)	Full-time (50 hours)
England	£188.75	£148.82
Scotland	£133.08	£259.10
Wales	£163.33	£325.12

Important: The England part-time figure excludes funded childcare, while the full-time figure includes 30 funded hours for eligible working parents. The Scottish and Welsh figures reflect the funding arrangements used in Coram’s survey and are not directly comparable with England’s funded full-time costs.

Source: Coram Family and Childcare, Childcare Survey 2026.

What funded childcare is available in the UK?

Government-funded childcare can significantly reduce nursery and childminder costs, but the entitlements differ across England, Scotland and Wales.

Funded childcare in England

Eligible working parents in England can receive 30 funded childcare hours a week for children aged nine months to four years, until they start school.

The entitlement starts from the term after a child reaches nine months old, provided the parents meet the eligibility requirements.

Funding is available for 38 weeks a year, although some providers allow parents to spread the hours across more weeks.

Other entitlements include:

• 15 hours for all three and four-year-olds: Every three and four-year-old in England is entitled to 15 funded hours a week, regardless of their parents’ employment status.
• 15 hours for eligible two-year-olds: Some two-year-olds qualify for 15 funded hours if their family receives certain benefits or the child meets other eligibility criteria.
• 30 hours for eligible working parents: Parents who meet the eligibility requirements can receive 30 funded hours a week for children aged nine months to four years.

Find out how to apply for 30 hours of free childcare.

Funded childcare in Scotland

In Scotland, all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds can receive up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare each year.

This is equivalent to 30 hours a week over 38 weeks, although how the hours are provided can vary.

Children under two are not generally eligible for this funded entitlement.

Funded childcare in Wales

In Wales, all three and four-year-olds are entitled to at least 10 hours of funded early education a week during term time.

Eligible working parents of three and four-year-olds can receive up to 30 hours of combined funded early education and childcare a week for up to 48 weeks a year through the Childcare Offer for Wales.

Some two-year-olds can also access funded childcare through programmes such as Flying Start, depending on eligibility and where they live.

Can parents get Tax-Free Childcare?

Eligible parents can receive up to £2,000 a year per child through Tax-Free Childcare, or up to £4,000 for a disabled child.

For every £8 parents pay into their Tax-Free Childcare account, the government adds £2, up to the annual limit.

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside funded childcare hours, but not alongside certain other forms of childcare support.

How much does part-time childcare cost in 2026?

Part-time childcare is based on 25 hours a week. The amount you pay depends on your child’s age, the provider and whether funded hours are available.

Average part-time nursery and childminder costs

Type of childcare	England	Scotland	Wales
Nursery – under two	£188.75	£133.08	£163.33
Nursery – age two	£174.85	£133.30	£166.01
Childminder – under two	£155.28	£145.65	£136.96
Childminder – age two	£151.67	£145.25	£138.02

Average weekly costs for 25 hours of childcare, from Coram’s Childcare Survey 2026. England figures shown exclude funded childcare. Some eligible two-year-olds may qualify for funded hours.

How much does a part-time nursery cost?

A part-time nursery place for a child under two costs an average of:

• England: £188.75 a week without funded childcare.
• Scotland: £133.08 a week.
• Wales: £163.33 a week.

For a two-year-old, the average weekly cost is £174.85 in England without funding, £133.30 in Scotland and £166.01 in Wales.

In England, parents eligible for 30 funded hours a week can access a 25-hour nursery place without paying for childcare hours during term time. However, optional extras such as meals and activities may cost more.

Some two-year-olds from families receiving additional support qualify for 15 funded hours a week. For these children, the average cost of a 25-hour nursery place in England is £69.94 a week, with parents paying for the remaining 10 hours.

How much does a part-time childminder cost?

Childminders provide childcare in a home setting, often caring for smaller groups of children than nurseries.

For a child under two, the average cost of a part-time childminder (25 hours a week) is:

• England: £155.28 a week without funded childcare.
• Scotland: £145.65 a week.
• Wales: £136.96 a week.

For a two-year-old, the average weekly cost is £151.67 in England without funding, £145.25 in Scotland and £138.02 in Wales.

In England, eligible working parents receiving 30 funded hours a week can access a 25-hour childminder place without paying for childcare hours during term time, provided the childminder offers funded places.

How much does a part-time nanny cost?

A part-time nanny provides childcare in your own home, usually offering more flexibility around working hours and routines.

Nannies generally charge an hourly rate rather than a fixed nursery-style fee.

The total cost depends on the nanny’s experience, location and hours worked. Families also need to consider employment costs, including employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions where applicable.

A nanny may be worth considering if you have more than one child or need childcare outside standard nursery opening hours.

How much does full-time childcare cost in 2026?

Full-time childcare is based on 50 hours a week.

Average full-time nursery and childminder costs

Type of childcare	England	Scotland	Wales
Nursery – under two	£148.82	£259.10	£325.12
Nursery – age two	£140.72	£259.68	£329.84
Childminder – under two	£122.32	£286.53	£271.78
Childminder – age two	£120.89	£290.65	£270.35

Average weekly costs for 50 hours of childcare, from Coram’s Childcare Survey 2026. England figures include 30 funded hours for eligible working parents, with parents paying for the remaining 20 hours. Funding arrangements differ in Scotland and Wales.

How much does a full-time nursery cost?

For a child under two, the average cost of a full-time nursery place (50 hours a week) is:

• England: £148.82 a week with 30 funded hours.
• Scotland: £259.10 a week.
• Wales: £325.12 a week.

For a two-year-old, the average weekly cost is £140.72 in England with 30 funded hours, £259.68 in Scotland and £329.84 in Wales.

Parents in England who qualify for 30 funded hours pay for the remaining 20 hours a week during term time.

How much does a full-time childminder cost?

For a child under two, the average cost of a full-time childminder (50 hours a week) is:

• England: £122.32 a week with 30 funded hours.
• Scotland: £286.53 a week.
• Wales: £271.78 a week.

For a two-year-old, the average weekly cost is £120.89 in England with 30 funded hours, £290.65 in Scotland and £270.35 in Wales.

These figures are averages. Individual childminders may charge different rates depending on their location, opening hours and services.

How much does a full-time nanny cost?

A full-time nanny usually works around 40 to 50 hours a week, although arrangements vary between families.

The cost depends on whether the nanny lives with the family, their experience and where they work.

Families employing a nanny may need to budget for:

• Gross salary: The amount paid to the nanny before tax and employee deductions.
• Employer National Insurance: Contributions payable where applicable.
• Pension contributions: Required where the nanny qualifies for workplace pension enrolment.
• Other employment costs: These may include payroll services, insurance and holiday cover.

A nanny’s salary does not usually increase in direct proportion to the number of children they care for, so this option may be more cost-effective for families with several children.

What other childcare options are available?

Nurseries, childminders and nannies aren’t the only childcare options. Depending on your child’s age and your working arrangements, you may also want to consider after-school clubs, holiday clubs, playgroups or help from family members.

How much do after-school clubs cost?

After-school clubs provide childcare for school-aged children between the end of the school day and the time parents finish work.

According to the figures cited from Coram’s 2026 survey, the average cost is £71.59 a week in Britain.

Costs vary depending on the number of sessions attended, location and activities provided.

How much does holiday childcare cost?

Holiday clubs provide childcare during school holidays and may offer activities such as sports, arts and crafts, outdoor play and educational sessions.

The average weekly cost cited from Coram’s 2026 Holiday Childcare Survey is £191.

Some holiday clubs accept Tax-Free Childcare payments, provided they meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

How much do playgroups cost?

Playgroups offer shorter childcare or early learning sessions, often during term time.

Some are designed for parents to attend with their children, while others offer sessions where children can stay without a parent.

Fees vary considerably, and some sessions may be free or subsidised.

Can family members provide childcare?

Grandparents and other relatives may be able to help with childcare, either regularly or occasionally.

This can reduce costs, particularly if family members provide care without charging.

However, if you pay a relative to look after your child, you may not be able to claim childcare support for those payments. The rules depend on the type of support and whether the relative is an approved childcare provider.

What additional childcare costs should parents consider?

When comparing nursery and childminder fees, it’s important to ask about charges that may not be included in the advertised price.

These can include:

• Meals and snacks: Some providers include food in their fees, while others charge separately.
• Nappies and consumables: Parents may need to supply nappies, wipes or other essentials.
• Activities and outings: Trips or additional activities may carry extra charges.
• Additional hours: Late collections or extra sessions may cost more.
• Holiday arrangements: Some nurseries charge throughout the year, even when funded hours are only available during term time.

In England, nurseries and childminders must not make additional charges compulsory as a condition of accessing funded childcare hours. Parents must be offered reasonable alternatives to paying for optional extras.

Ask for a full breakdown of fees before accepting a childcare place so you understand what is included and what you may need to pay separately.