Childcare costs can take up a large chunk of your family’s income. If you’re planning to return to work, it’s essential to budget carefully and claim all the help that’s available.
How much does childcare cost?
Part-time childcare costs
The table below shows the average prices of 25 hours a week childcare for children under three at nurseries, after working parent entitlements in England have been considered.
| Nursery | Under two | Two years old |
|---|---|---|
|
England (paying for 10 hours) |
£70.51 |
£66.34 |
|
Scotland |
£122.38 |
£124.75 |
|
Wales |
£155.04 |
£146.15 |
Source: Nursery costs from Coram Family and Childcare Trust 2024
To get an idea of nanny costs, see The Nannytax Salary Index 2023/2024Opens in a new window
For aupair costsOpens in a new window, see GOV.UK.
Find the right childcare option for you with our guide Childcare options.
Check what help you could get including Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit in our guide Help with childcare costs.
Full-time childcare costs
The table below shows the average prices of 50 hours a week childcare for children under three at nurseries after working parent entitlements in England have been considered.
| Nursery | Under two | Two years old |
|---|---|---|
|
England (paying for 35 hours) |
£238.95 |
£225.70 |
|
Scotland |
£239.78 |
£235.49 |
|
Wales |
£290.06 |
£279.14 |
The table below shows the average prices of 50 hours a week childcare for children under three at childminders after working parent entitlements in England have been considered.
| Nursery | Under two | Two years old |
|---|---|---|
|
England (paying for 35 hours) |
£202.09 |
£198.59 |
|
Scotland |
£259.53 |
£259.67 |
|
Wales |
£259.51 |
£251.30 |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Coram Family and Childcare 2024Opens in a new window
Informal or free childcare
| Type of childcare | How much does it cost? |
|---|---|
|
Playgroup or pre-school |
£5-£10 per three-hour session |
|
A 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. |
Average price of an after-school club
The average cost of after-school club is £66.48 a week, which is £2,593 a year during term time (39 weeks).
The table below shows the weekly price for an after-school club and a childminder for five to 11-year-olds during term time.
| Country | After-school club | Childminder to 6pm |
|---|---|---|
|
England |
£66.04 |
£81.65 |
|
Scotland |
£72.97 |
£79.99 |
|
Wales |
£69.14 |
£75.41 |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Coram Family and Childcare 2024Opens in a new window
Holiday childcare costs
The table below shows the average price of holiday childcare in England, Scotland and Wales.
| Country | Average holiday childcare prices |
|---|---|
|
England |
£173.14 |
|
Scotland |
£167.49 |
|
Wales |
£208.82 |
Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Coram Holiday Childcare Survey 2024Opens in a new window
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 many things to consider. One is the impact on your income and career, and childcare costs both now and in the future.
To find out how childcare costs affect your income, try our free and easy-to-use Budget planner.
There’s help available when you have a baby – including benefits and grants from the government and your employer.
Find out more in our guide What benefits can I claim when I'm pregnant or have a baby?
Taking time off from a career can affect your future employment options and earning potential.
Here are some sites that could help you debate the pros and cons:
