UK Childcare Cost Calculator
Work out your monthly childcare costs after applying free entitlement hours, Tax-Free Childcare top-ups, and Universal Credit support. Based on 2026/27 rates.
Childcare Details
Disclaimer: This calculator is for illustrative purposes only. Eligibility rules, free hours allocations, and government top-up amounts change. Always confirm your entitlements at gov.uk or call the Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097.
2026/27 Support Rates
| 15 hrs free | All 3–4 yr-olds (universal, any work status) |
|---|---|
| 30 hrs free | Working parents, child 9 months–school age |
| TFC top-up | 20% (gov adds £2 per £8 you pay) |
| TFC max/child | £2,000/yr (£500/quarter) |
| TFC max (disabled) | £4,000/yr |
| UC childcare | 85% of eligible costs |
| UC max (1 child) | £1,071.09/month |
| UC max (2+ children) | £1,836.16/month |
Average Costs by Region
| Region | ~Full-time/mo |
|---|---|
| London | ~£1,800 |
| South East | ~£1,500 |
| Midlands | ~£1,100 |
| North England | ~£950 |
| Wales | ~£850 |
| Scotland | ~£950 |
Source: Coram Family and Childcare Survey 2024. Full-time = 50 hrs/week, under 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
In England, all 3 and 4 year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week (38 weeks/year = 570 hours/year), regardless of whether their parents work. Working parents may qualify for 30 hours free (1,140 hours/year) instead, if both parents earn at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours/week but less than £100,000/year each. Since September 2025 this working-parents entitlement has been extended down to children aged from 9 months (previously only 15 hours was available for under-3s) right through to school age.
Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) is a government scheme where for every £8 you pay into an online account, the government adds £2, up to £500 per quarter (£2,000/year per child, or £4,000/year for a disabled child). You can use TFC alongside 15 or 30 free hours. You must be working and earning at least £2,643.68 per quarter (2026/27, based on 16 hours/week at the National Living Wage), and earn no more than £100,000/year.
Yes. If you are claiming Universal Credit and are in paid work, you can claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs (up to £1,071.09/month for one child or £1,836.16/month for two or more children, uprated from April 2026). You cannot use Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare support at the same time — choose whichever is most beneficial.
The 30 hours covers 30 hours per week for 38 weeks a year (1,140 hours/year). Many providers spread this over 52 weeks (about 22 hours/week). Providers can charge for meals, consumables, and any hours beyond the free entitlement. You apply online via the government's Childcare Service and receive a code to give to your provider.
Costs vary significantly by region. In 2024, typical costs for a nursery place (full-time, under 2) range from around £1,000/month in the North of England to over £1,800/month in London. Part-time (25 hrs/week) averages around £600–£900/month. Childminders are often cheaper than nurseries. After applying free hours and Tax-Free Childcare, many families significantly reduce their net bill.