Aug 24, 2026
For many families, one of the biggest questions when choosing a nursery is how much it costs and what is included within that price. Fees vary depending on where you live, your child's age, attendance pattern and whether you’re eligible for funded childcare. Average full-day fees typically range from around £65-£110 (taken from analysis of The Old Station Nursery locations and local settings), although prices vary by region and funded childcare can go a long way in helping with costs. Rather than focusing on price alone, it's worth considering what is included, from meals and activities to the length and timings of the nursery day. It is worth noting that childcare funding differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The information in this guide focuses specifically on nursery fees and funded childcare in England.
All these factors can alter how much you expect to pay at nursery, but funded childcare can also have a significant impact on the amount you ultimately pay. However, it may not cover every cost associated with a nursery place.
If you’re wondering why you may still have nursery fees after funding is applied, read our guide to Is nursery free in the UK?
Funded childcare can make a significant difference to the amount your family pays for nursery. Depending on your child’s age and your circumstances, you may be eligible for government support that reduces the cost of some of your childcare hours.
The amount you ultimately pay will still depend on factors such as your attendance pattern, how your nursery applies funding and any costs that fall outside the funded entitlement.
For a full explanation of funded childcare, including 15 and 30 hours, stretched funding and why you may still have nursery costs, visit our page.
Every family is different, which means there’s no single answer to the question, “How much will nursery cost?”
Your monthly fees will depend on several factors, including your child’s age, how many days they attend, whether you’re eligible for funded childcare, and the individual fees at your chosen nursery.
To make planning easier, each of our nurseries has its own Fee Calculator. Rather than relying on national averages, our calculator provides a personalised estimate based on your family’s circumstances.
Select your preferred nursery, enter a few details about your child and the sessions you’d like, and the calculator will estimate your nursery fees using our 2026 pricing. It also considers any funded childcare your family may be eligible for, helping you build a more accurate picture of your likely monthly costs.
Use the fee calculator.
While your estimate is designed to be as accurate as possible, it’s important to remember that it is intended as a guide. Your nursery team will always be happy to discuss your individual requirements and provide a personalised quotation.
What’s included in the price of nursery can vary between providers. Some nurseries include items such as meals, snacks, nappies, wipes and activities within their standard fees, while others may charge separately for certain services or consumables.
At The Old Station Nursery, some settings apply chargeable extras on funded days only.
When comparing nursery fees, it’s therefore important to look beyond the headline day rate and check exactly what is included. This will give you a much clearer picture of the overall cost and make it easier to compare nurseries fairly.
Every nurery you visit should provide a fee sheet, which details the breakdown of costs within your booking pattern, along with any additional services that might be on offer, such as early starts or late pick-ups.
It’s completely natural to compare nursery fees when you’re looking at different childcare options. However, it’s important to remember that the lowest price doesn’t always represent the best value.
When you visit a nursery, look beyond the daily or monthly fee and consider what that investment includes. A conversation with the nursery manager can help you understand exactly what you’re paying for, how funding is applied, and whether there are any additional costs to consider.
Here are some useful cost-related questions to ask during your nursery tour.
As we’ve highlighted, what’s included can vary from nursery to nursery. If it isn’t immediately clear, ask for a breakdown of what your fees cover. This will make it easier to understand what represents good value for money.
If your child is eligible for government-funded childcare, ask the nursery manager how funded hours will affect your fees. For example:
Every nursery may apply funded hours slightly differently, so it’s worth understanding how this works before making your decision.
Just as you’d ask about what’s included in the nursery fees, ask whether any additional charges apply on top of the quoted nursery fee and what they cover.
Nursery fees don’t just cover childcare – they support your child’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Ask the nursery manager to talk you through a typical day.
For example:
This gives you a better understanding of the experiences your child will enjoy every day.
Some nurseries include enriching experiences as part of their everyday provision, while others offer optional extras.
You could ask about:
These opportunities can make a real difference to your child’s nursery experience and are worth considering alongside the headline fee.
Looking for more guidance on the useful questions to ask on a nursery tour? Head to our guide.
At The Old Station Nursery, nursery fees are paid in advance. You’ll receive an invoice for the following month towards the end of the current month, with payment due by the last working day of that month.
No. Nurseries cannot charge a top-up fee to make up the difference between the government funding they receive and their usual fee for funded childcare hours.
Separate charges can apply for additional private hours and certain optional extras, such as meals, consumables or additional services. These must be clearly identified and cannot be a condition of accessing funded childcare.