For a child under two attending part‑time (25 hours a week) in England, the average weekly out‑of‑pocket cost after funded hours is about £70.51, roughly £3,670 a year. Full‑time care (50 hours a week) lists at around £238.95 weekly, or £12,425 annually before funding is deducted. Comparable weekly list prices in Scotland average about £239.78 for full‑time and £122.38 for part‑time, while in Wales they are approximately £290.06 and £155.04 respectively.

Across major UK cities the average daily list price for an under‑two child in 2025 is:

• London £117
• Manchester £68
• Leeds £77
• Birmingham £79
• Newcastle £88
• Edinburgh £81
• Glasgow £75
• Aberdeen £76
• Cardiff £71
• Dundee £66

Prices vary mainly because of location, the child’s age—under‑twos require a 1:3 staff ratio—session length and what is included (meals, nappies, extended‑day drop‑offs), and the quality or specialist nature of the setting, such as Outstanding ratings or Montessori and Forest School curricula.

Government help in 2025 includes the expanded 15‑ and 30‑hour funded childcare for children aged nine months to four years in England (up to 1,140 funded hours a year); Tax‑Free Childcare which pays 20 % of fees up to £2,000 per child each year; and the Universal Credit childcare element, which can reimburse up to 85 % of fees, subject to caps.

To keep costs down, calculate your true net fee using our Nuuri Cost Calculator, ask about sibling discounts or full‑time attendance incentives, and check each nursery’s notice periods and holiday charging policies because hidden fees can quickly add up.

For guidance on managing waiting lists, see our Nursery Waiting Lists Guide, and if you are comparing providers on Nuuri, read our Nursery Profile Checklist for questions to ask during your visit.