Find out how much full-time or part-time childcare may cost below
Parents now pay an average of over £7,000 per year, for just a part-time nursery place, so it takes up a large chunk of the family budget. In areas like London, costs can be much higher. If you’re planning to return to work, it’s essential to budget carefully for your childcare costs and claim all the help that’s available.
- How much does childcare cost?
- Part-time childcare costs
- Full-time childcare costs
- Informal or free childcare
- Average price of an after-school club
- Holiday childcare costs
- Stay-at-home parent
How much does childcare cost?
The UK, the average cost of sending a child under two to nursery is:
- £138 per week - part time (25 hours)
- £263 per week - full time (50 hours).
The average cost for families using an after-school club for five days is £62 per week.
But there is help you can get with childcare costs, for example with tax free childcare you can get up to £2,000.
The tables below give you an idea of how much different childcare might cost on average if your children are too young to qualify for free early years education (England only).
Part-time childcare costs
| Type of childcare | How much does it cost? (UK average) | How much does it cost? (inner London average) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered childminder (25 hours for a child under 2) | £118 per week | £164 per week |
| Day nursery (25 hours for a child under 2) | £138 per week | £180 per week |
| Part-time nanny (25 hours) | £250-£400 per week including tax and NI contributions | |
| Au pair | ‘Pocket money’ of around £70-£85 per week plus room and board |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Family and Childcare Trust, 2021; part-time nanny guideline wages from Nannyplus.co.uk; au pair pocket money rates from GOV.UK
Full-time childcare costs
| Type of childcare | How much does it cost? (UK average) | How much does it cost? (inner London average) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered childminder (50 hours for a child under 2) | £228 per week | £303 per week |
| Day nursery (50 hours for a child under 2) | £263 per week | £321 per week |
| Live-in nanny (50 hours) | £400 - £650 per week plus:
|
£433 per week plus:
|
| Daily nanny (50 hours) | £500-800 per week plus:
|
£616 per week plus:
|
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Family and Childcare Trust, 2021; part-time nanny guideline wages from Nannyplus.co.uk.
Informal or free childcare
| Type of childcare | How much does it cost? |
|---|---|
| Playgroup or pre-school | £5-£10 per 3-hour session |
| Sure Start Children’s Centre | Depends on your household income - some play sessions can be free |
| Nursery school | Free if it’s part of the state school system |
| Family arrangement | Can be free, but if you intend to pay a family member for childcare, you might not qualify for help with childcare costs. |
| Shared childcare arrangement | Technically free, but you’ll need to factor in loss of income, and you won’t get any government help. |
Source: Netmums playgroup/pre-school costs
Average price of an after-school club
The average cost is £62 in the UK, which is nearly £3,224 a year during term time.
The table below shows the weekly price for an after-school club and a childminder for five to 11 year olds during term time.
| After School Club | Childminder to 6pm | |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £62.13 | £71.06 |
| England | £62.56 | £71.55 |
| Scotland | £62.86 | £69.91 |
| Wales | £54.13 | £63.65 |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Family and Childcare Trust, 2021
Holiday childcare costs
In 2018 the average price of holiday childcare was £138 per week in the UK.
| Nation | Average Holiday Childcare Prices |
|---|---|
| England | £139.60 |
| Scotland | £123.22 |
| Wales | £129.77 |
| UK | £138.06 |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Family and Childcare Trust, holiday survey 2020.
Stay-at-home parent
Whether you choose to work full time or part time or be a stay at home parent is a very personal decision.
There are a wide range of aspects to consider. One is the impact on income and costs both now and in the future.
Use our Budget planner to find out how childcare costs affect your income.
There’s help available when you have a baby, including benefits and grants from the government and your employer. Find out what you can claim.
Taking time off from a career can impact your future employment options and earning potential.
Here are some sites that could help you debate the pros and cons, Netmums, Babycentre, Mumsnetopens in new window.
This article is provided by the Money Advice Service.
This information on this page is provided by Money Helper (previously Money Advice Service) and is updated regularly.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
