How Much Does Nursery Cost in the UK? Daily, Monthly, and Full-Time Fees Explained

Nursery fees can be one of the most daunting parts of the next stage of parenthood, with parents unsure what to expect, what’s included, and whether there’s financial support out there. 

For working families in England, the expansion of funded childcare has changed the numbers significantly for many under-threes. Coram’s 2026 Childcare Survey says a part-time nursery place for a child under two is now theoretically free during term time for eligible families, while full-time costs have also fallen by 39% compared with 2025.

While parents in England can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, there’s no standard cost as nursery prices vary across all providers. 

Don’t worry, there’s lots of advice, support, and friendly faces ready to help make starting nursery easier to budget for. Read on for an idea of average nursery costs (data-backed), and all the extras you might need to be aware of.

Key takeaways

• Nursery fees vary widely across the UK, but in England in 2026 funded childcare can reduce costs sharply for eligible families.
• MoneyHelper’s 2026 figures show that, in England, a full-time nursery place for an under-two costs an average of £148.82 a week for eligible working families paying for 20 hours, and £140.72 a week for a two-year-old.
• Based on those averages, that works out at roughly £29.76 a day for an under-two and £28.14 a day for a two-year-old across a five-day week.
• Monthly costs depend on your booking pattern, but those same England averages come to about £644.89 a month for an under-two and £609.79 a month for a two-year-old.
• Funded hours must be free, but nurseries can still charge for optional extras like meals, nappies and additional hours.

Comparing Nursery Costs in the UK

Nursery prices vary between England, Scotland and Wales. Let’s break it all down using MoneyHelper’s 2026 cost guide.

Part-Time Nursery Costs Per UK Country

This table shows average nursery costs for 25 hours a week of childcare for children under three. In England, the MoneyHelper guidance says these costs are free for eligible families after working parent entitlements are considered, although some voluntary charges may still apply.

*Free for eligible families after working parent entitlements have been considered, though some voluntary charges may still apply.

Full-Time Nursery Costs Per UK Country

The phrase “full-time” often means around 50 hours a week. MoneyHelper’s 2026 figures use that as the benchmark for full-time childcare costs. See the breakdown below for all the details.

For England, MoneyHelper states that these figures are shown after working parent entitlements have been considered and label them as parents paying for 20 hours a week. So, England’s funded childcare support has pulled the averages down for eligible families, while costs remain much higher in Scotland and Wales.

Parents who are not eligible for the funded entitlement can also face much higher bills. Coram’s 2026 survey says families in England who are not eligible pay an average of £189 a week for a part-time nursery place for a child under two.

Average Full-Time Childminder Costs (50 Hours a Week)

This table gives a useful comparison point for parents weighing up nursery against a childminder for 50 hours a week of childcare.

How Much Is Nursery Per Day in the UK?

The big question is ‘how much is nursery per day?’ The answer depends on whether you are looking at a totally private paid place or one funded by childcare, and which country you are in. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs.

*Free for eligible families after working parent entitlements have been considered, though some voluntary charges may still apply.

That does not mean every nursery charges a flat daily rate. Some settings charge by session, some by the hour, and some by the day, with different prices for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. If you are comparing options, always ask the provider directly before judging the headline price.

How Much Does Nursery Cost UK Per Month?

How much is a nursery per month? Monthly cost is usually easier for family budgeting than daily rates as they align with monthly salary and wag payments. Here’s an idea based on the averages.

*Free for eligible families after working parent entitlements have been considered, though some voluntary charges may still apply.

But this is only a guide. Your actual monthly bill can be higher or lower depending on:

• How many days you book
• Whether your nursery stretches funded hours across the year
• Whether meals, consumables or extra activities are charged separately.

Most providers will be happy to supply you with a fee sheet showing how funding, booked hours and extras work together in real life. This also helps when working out nursery fees with the 15 of 30 hours of free childcare in England.

How Much Is Nursery Per Hour?

Many nurseries do not advertise a simple national hourly price, but this is still a useful way to compare settings for some.

*Free for eligible families after working parent entitlements have been considered, though some voluntary charges may still apply.

What Affects Nursery Fees in 2026?

Nursery fees in 2026 are shaped by more than just postcode. The main factors are your child’s age, your country within the UK, your eligibility for funding, and the way the nursery structures its fees.

A few of the biggest cost factors are:

• Age of your child: younger children usually cost more because staff-to-child ratios are tighter.
• Funded childcare: in England, 15 and 30 funded hours can reduce bills significantly for eligible families.
• Optional extras: GOV.UK says providers may charge for voluntary extras like meals, snacks, nappies, sun cream and additional hours, but these cannot be mandatory for accessing the free hours.
• Term-time or year-round care: stretched funding can spread costs differently across the year.
• Local market rates: fees vary by area, provider type and demand.

Ultimately, the best way forward is to have a chat with nursery providers you’re considering. Many factors go into the nursery experience. Some higher costs might be balanced by higher quality service, for example, so it’s always best to do your own research and make your own judgements.

Reading about daily life at your chosen nurseries is a helpful starting point. If you are budgeting for nursery in Manchester, Oldham, Blackpool, Stockport, Runcorn, or Atherton, MiChild offers inspiring, affordable childcare in safe, secure settings, with funded places available for eligible families. You can learn more on the funding page, browse locations, or contact us to ask about fees, funded hours and availability at your preferred nursery.