Average nursery fees in the UK: what to expect from September

Understanding nursery costs can be a minefield, and if you’re a parent who’s currently weighing up your childcare options, you’re probably wondering how much a part-time or full-time nursery place will actually cost. With new government initiatives rolling out this year, nursery fees can vary more than ever, depending on your situation.

In this clear guide, we’ll walk you through the average nursery fees UK families can expect from September 2025 onwards. You’ll also learn key information like what affects childcare costs, how to make the most of funded childcare, and how to get better value from your monthly fees.

What are the average nursery fees UK families can expect to pay?

According to Daynurseries.co.uk, the average cost of full-time nursery care in England for a child under two is £238.95 a week, down from £305.11 in 2024. For a two-year-old, the average full-time nursery place is £225.70 a week, down from £290.77 in 2024.

Alternatively, for families seeking part-time nursery care, the average place for a child under two is £70.51 a week, down from £159.61 in 2024 (a significant decrease). For a two-year-old, however, the average cost is £66.34 a week, down from £153.69 in 2024 – another significant drop that eases the financial burden.

That said, what you actually pay can vary significantly based on several key factors.

What affects childcare costs?

Location: Nurseries in London and the South East tend to be more expensive than those in other parts of the UK (for example, more rural areas).

Session length: The number of days your child attends each week plays a key role in determining your overall childcare costs.

Extras: An extra fee can be applied for selected items and experiences, these include meals, nappies, enrichment sessions.

Funded hours: funded childcare hours, based on your eligibility can significantly reduce monthly nursery fees. This includes 15 and 30-hour funding and Tax-Free Childcare.

Every nursery has its own approach when it comes to nursery costs; however, most base their fees on the number of hours required and days per week

Top tip: Use our handy nursery fee calculator to find out exactly what a place could cost for your child based on your needs. or submit an enquiry form to see what’s available in your area.

Key changes from September for working families

Thanks to new government initiatives, more eligible families now benefit from funded childcare.

What’s available now (as of September 2025):

• All working families with children aged 9 months up to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
• This marks the completion of the government’s phased expansion, aligning younger children with the existing offer for those over 3.

To check your eligibility and begin the application process, visit the official GOV.UK website.

What this means for nursery fees:

• Many parents of under-threes will see their nursery costs drop, if they qualify and use the full 30 funded hours.
• Parents must apply for and reconfirm their eligibility every three months via the HMRC portal.
• If you’re not eligible (e.g. if you’re not working or earn above the income cap), nursery costs remain the same and are fully paid by the parent.

What’s included in your nursery fees?

At Grandir UK, we believe quality care and education should offer more than just a safe space for your child to flourish. Our fees reflect:

Core care and education

This covers the cost of your child’s place and includes:

• Funded hours (where eligible), provided through government support
• Private paid hours outside of any funding
• Highly qualified staff who support learning, development and well-being
• Access to stimulating spaces aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

These elements form the main part of your monthly fees and reflect the service and breath of experiences we provide.

Everyday Essentials

In addition to core care, we apply a small daily charge to cover:

• Nutritious meals and snacks, freshly prepared by our on-site chefs
• Consumables such as wipes, nappies, and hygiene items
• Enrichment activities such as Forest School, Boogie Mites, or Sing & Sign sessions

These extras aren’t covered by funded childcare but form an essential part of delivering consistent, high-quality experiences every day.

Together, these elements ensure your child benefits from:

• Reliable routines
• A caring, well-resourced environment
• Exciting opportunities to learn and grow

How to compare childcare value

When reviewing your options, remember to consider:

• What’s included in the fees
• The setting’s environment and resources
• Staff qualifications and ratios
• Enrichment and Early Years learning
• Feedback from other children’s parents

Starting your childcare journey with confidence

With the latest government initiatives expanding access to funded childcare, many working parents will see real savings on their nursery costs from September 2025 onward.

As you plan for your child’s early education, understanding how childcare costs are structured and how to make the most of available funding can help you get the best value for your family.

At Grandir UK, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Use our nursery fee calculator to explore your options, or get in touch with our Parent Engagement team, who are happy to help.