How Much Are Childcare Costs in the UK?
Have you ever wondered how much childcare really costs in the UK? The answer depends on where you live, the type of care you choose, and how many hours of support you need each week.
In 2024, the average cost of part-time nursery care is just over £8,000 per year, while full-time care can reach around £15,000 annually. With such significant expenses, planning your budget carefully is essential.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of different types of early years childcare, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
These figures are based on the 2024 Childcare Survey conducted by the charity Coram.
How Much Were Childcare Costs in 2024?
Childcare costs continue to rise across the UK, with London seeing some of the highest prices. If you’re planning for childcare this year, it’s important to understand what to expect so you can budget accordingly.
For parents using a nursery part-time (25 hours per week), the average annual cost has increased to £8,194 in 2024, up from £7,729 in 2023. Choosing a childminder instead can be a more affordable option, with an average yearly cost of £6,874—slightly higher than the £6,547 parents paid in 2023.
If you need after-school care, a five-day-a-week club now costs around £69.14 per week, a small increase from last year’s £67.42. For families requiring full-time childcare, expenses can reach approximately £15,000 per year.
One reason childcare costs are higher for children under two is the need for more staff per child, ensuring they receive the attention and care they need. While these costs can feel overwhelming, knowing your options can help you find the best childcare solution for your family.
The following tables provide an estimate of the costs for different types of childcare if your child is not yet eligible for free early years education in the UK.
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 two) | £132.20 a week | £197.38 a week |
| Day nursery (25 hours for a child under two) | £157.68 a week | £218.49 a week |
| Part-time nanny (25 hours) | £388 a week | £444.50 a week |
| Au pair | National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, plus room and board |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Coram Family and Childcare 2024
Part-time nanny costs from The Nannytax Salary Index 2023/2024
Aupair costs 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 two) | £253.02 a week | £394.78 a week |
| Nursery (50 hours for a child under two) | £302.10 a week | £428.26 a week |
| Daily nanny (50 hours) | £776 a week | £889 a week |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Coram Family and Childcare 2024
Nanny cost from The Nannytax Salary Index 2023/2024
Other childcare options and services
For parents working a typical 9-to-5 schedule, arranging childcare beyond nursery or preschool hours can be an added expense, especially during school holidays. Many families rely on after-school clubs or childminders to bridge the gap between school pick-up and the end of the workday.
After-School Clubs
The average cost of an after-school club in the UK is £69.14 per week. Over the course of a school year (39 weeks), this amounts to approximately £2,697.
To help parents better understand childcare costs, the table below outlines the weekly prices for after-school clubs and childminders for children aged five to eleven during term time.
| Country | After-school club | Childminder to 6pm |
| Lloegr | £69.22 | £75.45 |
| Yr Alban | £67.27 | £84.25 |
| Cymru | £68.89 | £79.52 |
Holiday Childcare Costs
During school holidays, many early years settings close, leaving working parents in need of alternative childcare options. Holiday childcare provides a helpful solution, ensuring children are cared for while parents continue their jobs.
In 2024, the average cost of holiday childcare across England, Scotland, and Wales is around £175 per week. Planning ahead for these expenses can help families manage their budgets more effectively.
| Country | Average holiday childcare prices |
| England | £173.14 |
| Scotland | £167.49 |
| Wales | £208.82 |
Being a Stay-at-Home Parent
Deciding whether to work full-time, part-time, or stay at home with your child is a deeply personal choice. There are many factors to think about, including how it may affect your income, career, and childcare costs both now and in the future.
If you’re unsure how childcare expenses might impact your finances, you can use our free Budget Planner to get a clearer picture.
Support is also available for new parents, including government benefits, grants, and financial assistance from employers, helping to ease the transition into parenthood.
Free childcare
Covering childcare costs can be challenging, but there are several ways to get financial support based on your income and circumstances. Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be eligible for free childcare hours or tax-free assistance to help manage expenses.
- England
In England, all parents with children aged three to four can receive 15 hours of free childcare per week. If both parents are working, this increases to 30 hours.
Starting in September 2024, working parents of children as young as nine months will be able to claim 15 hours of government-funded childcare. By September 2025, all eligible working parents with children under five will have access to 30 free hours per week. These free hours apply for 38 weeks of the year, rather than the full 52 weeks.
- Scotland
Families in Scotland can receive 30 free hours of childcare per week for all three- and four-year-olds, as well as some eligible two-year-olds.
- Wales
In Wales, every three- and four-year-old is entitled to at least 10 free hours of childcare each week. Working parents can access an additional 20 hours, helping to ease childcare costs.
Additionally, parents across the UK can benefit from tax-free childcare support. Families can receive up to £2,000 per child each year to help cover childcare costs. If your child has a disability, this support increases to £4,000 annually.
Understanding the financial help available can make a big difference in managing childcare costs and ensuring your child gets the care they need.
Conclusion
Childcare costs in the UK can be a significant expense for families, but understanding the different options and financial support available can help ease the burden. Whether you’re considering nursery, a childminder, after-school care, or holiday childcare, planning ahead is key to managing these costs effectively.
Fortunately, government schemes such as free childcare hours and tax-free childcare can provide much-needed relief for many parents. Additionally, weighing up different childcare options and budgeting carefully can make a real difference in finding a solution that works for your family.
Every family’s situation is unique, and whether you choose to work full-time, part-time, or stay at home, the most important thing is making the decision that best supports your child’s well-being and your family’s financial stability. By staying informed and exploring all available options, you can ensure your child receives quality care without unnecessary financial stress.
Read Also: “5 Parenting Resolutions You Can Stick to This Year“
