How Much Is Nursery Per Day in the UK? 2025 Cost Guide

What Is the Current Daily Nursery Cost in 2025?

The daily cost of nursery in the UK can vary widely based on a combination of factors: the age of the child, location, the number of hours required per week, and access to government-funded childcare support. In 2025, costs have adjusted slightly from previous years due to expanded government funding, but for many families, nursery fees remain one of the largest monthly expenses.

Average Cost for Children Under 2 (2025)

• In England, the average daily cost for a child under 2 is approximately £47.79 per day, assuming the parent qualifies for 15 funded hours per week.
• Without funding, the full cost rises to an average of £85–£95 per day, depending on the provider and region.
• These costs are based on part-time care (25 hours/week) but are commonly prorated for full-day coverage.

Why is under-2 care more expensive?
UK nurseries are legally required to have a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3 for children under two, meaning more carers per child, which significantly increases staffing costs. This is one of the primary reasons this age group carries the highest daily fees.

Average Cost for 2-Year-Olds

• The average cost for a 2-year-old in nursery is £45.14 per day in England, assuming eligibility for government-funded hours.
• Without any funding, daily fees can reach between £70 and £85, particularly in larger cities or private nursery chains.

Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 funded hours, based on household income or if they receive certain government benefits. This can make a substantial difference in monthly costs.

How Do Nursery Fees Differ by Region in the UK?

One of the biggest influencers of childcare cost in the UK is location. Fees vary not only between nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) but also within regions and cities, sometimes dramatically.

Let’s break it down:

London: Highest Costs in the UK

• Inner London has some of the highest nursery costs in the UK, with daily fees often exceeding £80–£95 per day for full-time care (especially for under-2s).
• Even with 15 or 30 funded hours, families still pay a substantial top-up due to the high cost of real estate, wages, and demand.
• Outer London is marginally more affordable, averaging £65–£80 per day depending on the nursery.

Example: A full-time nursery place for an under-2 in a central London private nursery could easily exceed £1,800/month, even after funding is applied.

Other Urban Centres (Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, etc.)

• Major cities outside of London typically fall within £55–£75 per day, though premium nurseries may charge more.
• There is generally more availability and competition, but popular settings often have long waiting lists.

Rural and Regional Areas

• Smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options, with average daily fees ranging from £35 to £50 per day.
• Community-run or council-supported nurseries may offer even lower rates, especially when combined with free childcare hours.
• However, fewer nurseries and limited places can mean less flexibility for working parents.

Note: Even within the same city, fees can vary depending on:

• The type of nursery (private, public, or voluntary sector)
• What’s included (meals, nappies, extracurriculars)
• Session length (half-day vs full-day)
• Whether the nursery charges “top-up” or admin fees

Nation-by-Nation Comparison of Daily Nursery Fees (2025)

Data Source: Coram Family and Childcare Childcare Survey 2025

What Do Nursery Fees Typically Include?

Daily nursery fees may or may not include the following services. When comparing costs, ask for a full breakdown:

• Meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, tea)
• Nappies and wipes (some nurseries charge extra)
• Activity costs (music, sports, trips)
• Early drop-off or late pick-up sessions
• Registration and administration fees

Even if two nurseries quote the same daily rate, one may include more services, making it better value overall.

Estimating Monthly and Annual Costs

Here’s a quick overview of how daily nursery rates translate into longer-term expenses for full-time care:

Tip: If your child qualifies for 30 free hours, this can reduce your annual cost by £5,000–£6,000, depending on your nursery’s hourly rate.

Factors That Affect Nursery Fees

Full-Time vs Part-Time Nursery Costs

When calculating how much nursery is per day in the UK, one of the first decisions parents need to make is how many hours of care they need per week. Most nurseries offer both full-time and part-time options.

Full-Time Nursery (Typically 50 Hours per Week)

• Average cost: £225–£290 per week, equating to £45–£58 per day
• Often covers standard hours (e.g., 8am–6pm), Monday to Friday
• Usually includes meals and snacks, but this varies by provider
• Ideal for full-time working parents or those with long commutes

Part-Time Nursery (Typically 25 Hours per Week)

• Average cost: £66–£155 per week, or roughly £26–£31 per day
• Part-time hours can vary: some parents use 3 full days, others use 5 half-days
• Often more flexible but may have limited availability depending on the setting

Why is under-2 care more expensive?
Staffing ratios are stricter for younger children: nurseries must provide 1 carer for every 3 children under 2, which increases operational costs. Older children (aged 3+) have a 1:8 ratio, making their care more affordable.

Private vs Public Nursery Price Comparison

Not all nurseries are structured the same way, and the type of provider significantly affects what you pay.

Private Nurseries

• Tend to charge higher fees, often upwards of £60–£95 per day without funding
• Offer extended hours, flexible sessions, and enriched curricula (e.g., languages, extracurriculars)
• Often operate year-round, including during school holidays
• Fees may include meals, nappies, outings, and learning resources

State-Funded or School-Attached Nurseries

• Typically offer lower rates, or are free, for eligible families
• Run for 38 weeks a year during term time only
• Limited spaces and more structured schedules (usually school hours only)
• May not offer wraparound care or as many extras

If you're asking how much is nursery per day UK, the answer varies significantly depending on whether you're in a private setting, a school-attached nursery, or a community-based provision.

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Why Do Nursery Fees Vary Across the UK?

Nursery fees are not uniform across the UK. Several factors contribute to cost differences from one region to another, or even between neighbouring towns.

Regional Operating Costs

• London and the South East have higher property rents and staff wages, pushing up fees.
• Rural areas or the North of England generally offer more affordable childcare, though options may be fewer.

Funding and Subsidies

• The amount and type of funding available vary across the UK:
  • England has a tiered model, offering 15 or 30 hours based on income or work status
  • Scotland and Wales offer broader access to 30 free hours for 3–4-year-olds
• Local authorities may offer additional support or limits on how much providers can charge

Demand and Capacity

• In high-demand areas, especially cities with long waiting lists, nurseries may charge more due to limited space
• Popular nurseries with strong reputations or unique offerings (e.g., language immersion, Montessori) often carry premium fees

Comparing Nursery Costs with Other Childcare Options

Nurseries aren’t the only option for early years care. Here’s how they compare to alternatives:

Nursery vs. Childminders: Daily Rates

Childminders are registered professionals who care for children in their own homes. They are often more flexible and slightly more affordable than nurseries.

Pros of childminders:

• Smaller group sizes
• Home-like setting
• Often more flexible drop-off/pick-up times

Pros of nurseries:

• Structured curriculum
• Group-based social learning
• More staff, more supervision

How Nursery Costs Compare to Nannies or Babysitters

• Nannies: Cost between £400–£650 per week full-time (or £80–£130/day), not including tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.
  • Live-in nannies may be more affordable but require space and board.
• Babysitters: Often paid £10–£15 per hour, or £50–£75+ per day for full-time coverage. They are usually not registered or regulated, and not always suitable for daily childcare needs.

Summary: Nurseries are typically the most cost-effective structured option for full-day, consistent care, especially when combined with government support.

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Government Help and Funding for Nursery Fees

Who Qualifies for Free Nursery Hours in the UK?

As of 2025, government-funded childcare has expanded, good news for families across the country.

Note: Free hours apply only during term time (38 weeks), not across the full year.

How to Apply for Government Childcare Support

To check your eligibility and apply for support:

• Visit gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs
• Options include:
  • 15–30 free hours
  • Tax-Free Childcare (up to £2,000 per child/year or £4,000 for children with disabilities)
  • Universal Credit for Childcare (up to 85% of fees covered for low-income families)

Most nurseries can guide you through the application process and help you understand how much your fees could be reduced.

Parent FAQs on Nursery Costs in the UK;

How Much Does Nursery Cost Per Month in the UK?

Monthly nursery costs can vary, depending on whether you use part-time or full-time care, and how much support you receive.

What Age Is Best to Start Nursery in the UK?

Children can begin nursery as early as 6 months, but most families start around 9–12 months, especially if returning to work. Others delay until age 2 or 3, when more funding becomes available.

Factors to consider:

• Your work situation
• Availability of funding
• Your child’s readiness for group care

How Can Parents Save on Nursery Fees?

To reduce nursery costs, consider the following:

• Apply early for government funding
• Use term-time only
• contracts to avoid holiday fees

• Check if your provider offers sibling discounts

• Ask what's included, meals, nappies, outings can add up
• Use tax-free childcare accounts for 20% savings on costs
• Coordinate hours with funded entitlement to minimise overlap

Final Thoughts: So, How Much Is Nursery Per Day UK?

If you're still wondering, how much is nursery per day UK, the most accurate answer is:

Anywhere between £26 and £95 per day, depending on your location, child’s age, provider type, and funding eligibility.

While nursery costs are high, there are more support options than ever before in 2025, especially for working families. Nurseries like Hatching Dragons help families not only access quality care but understand how to make it affordable.

Want to learn how to make the most of your child’s early years?
Explore our latest post: How Messy Play Boosts Learning & Resilience in the Early Years

For more details, reach out through our Contact page.

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References for Further Reading:

• ‌Coram Family and Childcare. (2025). Childcare Survey 2025.
  Retrieved from: https://www.coram.org.uk/resources/childcare-survey-2025
• UK Government. (2025). Help with childcare costs. GOV.UK.
  Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs
• MoneyHelper (formerly Money Advice Service). (2025). Average childcare costs.
  Retrieved from: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk
• National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). (2025). Nursery Costs and Funding Explained.
  Retrieved from: https://www.ndna.org.uk
• Family and Childcare Trust. (2024). Childcare Survey 2024 (for historical comparison).
  Retrieved from: https://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org
• Daynurseries.co.uk. (2025). Childcare costs: How much do you pay in the UK?
  Retrieved from: https://www.daynurseries.co.uk
• Scottish Government. (2025). Early Learning and Childcare: Funding and Access.
  Retrieved from: https://www.mygov.scot/early-learning-childcare
• Welsh Government. (2025). Childcare Offer for Wales: Help with Childcare Costs.
  Retrieved from: https://gov.wales/childcare-offer-for-wales