How Much Is Nursery Per Day in London? 2026 Cost Guide for Parents
If you are looking for a nursery in London, one of the first things you may want to know is how much nursery costs per day.
Daily nursery costs can vary depending on where you live, your child’s age, the number of hours they attend and what is included in the nursery fee. Your final cost may also be affected by government-funded childcare if your child is eligible.
For parents, looking at the daily rate can be a useful way to understand the cost of different nursery options and work out a realistic childcare budget.
In this guide, we look at nursery costs per day in London, how daily nursery fees are calculated, what may be included and how funded childcare can affect what you pay.
How Much Does Nursery Cost Per Day in London?
There is no single daily nursery rate across London.
The amount you pay will depend on the nursery, the number of hours included in the session, your child’s age and whether you are using funded childcare.
A useful 2026 benchmark comes from the Coram Family and Childcare Childcare Survey. For three- and four-year-olds in Inner London, the average nursery cost after funded entitlements is £86.54 per week for 25 hours and £179.13 per week for 50 hours.
If these weekly figures are simply divided across five days, they work out at approximately:
- £17.31 per day for 25 hours a week
- £35.83 per day for 50 hours a week
These are useful averages rather than standard daily nursery prices. A nursery may structure its fees differently, so parents should always ask for the actual daily or session rate.
For example, a nursery could charge by:
- Full day
- Half day
- Morning session
- Afternoon session
- Number of hours
- Set weekly sessions
- Monthly attendance
This means two nurseries with similar weekly costs may have very different daily arrangements.
What Is a Daily Nursery Fee?
A daily nursery fee is the amount you pay for your child’s agreed nursery attendance on a particular day.
However, “a day” does not necessarily mean the same number of hours at every nursery.
One nursery might offer a full-day session from morning until late afternoon, while another may have shorter sessions. Some settings may also offer morning and afternoon sessions separately.
This is why it is important to check the hours included in the daily nursery price.
When comparing nursery costs per day, ask:
- What time does the session start?
- What time does it finish?
- How many hours are included?
- Is there a charge for early drop-off?
- Is there a charge for late collection?
- Are meals and snacks included?
- Are there additional charges?
A slightly higher daily fee may represent better value if it includes more hours or services.
How Are Nursery Daily Rates Calculated?
Nurseries have different ways of calculating fees.
Some may advertise a daily rate, while others provide weekly or monthly prices.
If you are given a weekly nursery fee, you can estimate the daily cost by dividing it by the number of days your child attends.
For example:
£250 per week ÷ 5 days = £50 per day
If your child attends three days each week:
£180 per week ÷ 3 days = £60 per attendance day
However, this is only a simple calculation. Nursery fees may not always work on a strict per-day basis, particularly where funded hours, session patterns or annualised fees are involved.
Always use the nursery’s actual fee schedule when calculating your childcare budget.
What Is Usually Included in Nursery Fees?
Before comparing nursery prices, find out exactly what is included.
Depending on the nursery, the daily fee may include:
- Childcare and supervision
- EYFS-based learning
- Indoor and outdoor activities
- Play and learning resources
- Meals
- Snacks
- School-readiness activities
- Daily routines and care
- Access to the nursery’s facilities
Not every nursery includes the same things.
For example, one setting may include meals and snacks in its standard price, while another may charge separately.
Some nurseries may also have additional charges for optional activities or extra services.
Always compare the total cost
Instead of asking only:
“How much is nursery per day?”
also ask:
“How much will I actually pay for everything my child needs?”
This gives you a much more accurate comparison.
Does the Number of Hours Affect the Daily Nursery Cost?
Yes.
The number of hours your child attends can make a significant difference to your overall nursery bill.
A shorter session will usually cost less overall than a full day, but the price per hour is not necessarily identical.
For example, a nursery could offer:
- Morning sessions
- Afternoon sessions
- Shorter part-day sessions
- Full-day sessions
- Several full days per week
If you only need childcare for part of the day, choosing shorter sessions may help you manage your overall childcare budget.
However, if you work full-time, a longer nursery day may be more practical even if the total weekly cost is higher.
Part-Day vs Full-Day Nursery Costs
Choosing between part-day and full-day childcare depends largely on your family’s routine.
Part-day nursery
Part-day nursery may suit families who:
- Work part-time
- Have flexible working arrangements
- Share childcare with a partner or family member
- Only need childcare for part of the working day
- Want their child to attend nursery for selected sessions
Part-day sessions can also provide children with regular opportunities for social interaction, play and early learning without requiring a full day of childcare.
Full-day nursery
Full-day nursery can be useful for parents who:
- Work full-time
- Need consistent childcare during working hours
- Prefer fewer drop-offs and collections
- Want their child to follow a regular daily routine
When comparing full-day nursery costs, look at the number of hours provided rather than simply comparing the headline daily price.
Does Your Child's Age Affect Nursery Costs?
Your child’s age can affect nursery pricing.
Nurseries have to meet specific requirements around staffing and care, and these can vary according to children’s ages.
Parents looking for childcare for younger children should therefore ask about the nursery’s fees for their child’s specific age group.
For three- and four-year-olds, government-funded early education and childcare can also affect the amount a family pays if they are eligible.
The 2026 Coram survey shows that nursery costs for three- and four-year-olds vary significantly between regions, with Inner London among the highest-cost areas.
If you are comparing nursery costs for a two-year-old, it is particularly important to check the nursery’s current fee structure and whether your child is eligible for funded childcare.
Can Funded Childcare Reduce Your Nursery Cost Per Day?
For eligible families in England, government-funded childcare can significantly reduce the amount parents need to pay for eligible hours.
For eligible working parents, the current scheme provides up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year for children aged 9 months to 4 years, subject to eligibility.
There are also other funded early education entitlements depending on a child’s age and circumstances. For example, eligible two-year-olds may receive funded hours, while all three- and four-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of early education per week over at least 38 weeks of the year.
However, funded childcare does not necessarily mean that you will pay nothing for a nursery place.
You may still need to pay for:
- Additional hours
- Additional days
- Meals
- Nappies
- Optional activities
- Other costs permitted under the applicable funding arrangements
GOV.UK specifically notes that families receiving funded childcare may still be asked to pay for items such as meals, nappies, additional hours and additional activities.
This is why it is important to ask your chosen nursery exactly how funded hours are applied.
How Do 30 Funded Hours Work With Daily Nursery Costs?
The phrase “30 hours of free childcare” can sometimes be confusing when calculating nursery costs.
The standard working-parent entitlement is provided for 38 weeks of the year. This is equivalent to 1,140 funded hours per year.
This does not automatically mean that a nursery place is free for five full days every week throughout the entire year.
Some childcare providers may offer a stretched arrangement, where fewer funded hours are used each week across more weeks of the year. GOV.UK recommends checking with the individual childcare provider to see whether this is available.
For parents who need childcare throughout the year, this distinction can make a significant difference to the final nursery bill.
How to Calculate Your Monthly Nursery Budget
Once you know the daily nursery cost, you can estimate your monthly childcare budget.
For example, suppose your nursery charges:
£50 per day × 3 days per week = £150 per week
Using an average of approximately 4.33 weeks per month:
£150 × 4.33 = approximately £650 per month
This is only an estimate.
Nursery fees may be calculated differently, particularly where providers use annualised or monthly fee structures.
Your actual monthly cost may also change if you use funded hours, additional sessions or different attendance patterns.
A simple nursery cost calculation
You can use this formula as a starting point:
Daily nursery fee × number of days per week × 4.33 = estimated monthly cost
For example:
| Attendance | Daily fee | Estimated weekly cost | Approx. monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | £50 | £100 | £433 |
| 3 days | £50 | £150 | £650 |
| 4 days | £50 | £200 | £866 |
| 5 days | £50 | £250 | £1,083 |
These figures are examples only and do not represent Caring Hands’ current fees.
Your actual nursery costs will depend on the provider, session length, funding and fee structure.
How Many Days of Nursery Does Your Child Need?
There is no universal answer.
The right number of nursery days depends on your work schedule, family arrangements and what works best for your child.
Some families may need two or three days a week, while others may require childcare throughout the working week.
When deciding how many days to book, consider:
- Your working hours
- Travel time
- Your partner’s working pattern
- Other childcare arrangements
- Your child’s routine
- Your budget
- Whether funded hours apply
A consistent routine can also make nursery easier for young children, particularly when they are becoming familiar with a new environment.
How to Compare Nursery Daily Rates in London
When comparing nursery prices per day, don’t automatically choose the lowest advertised price.
Instead, compare each nursery using the same criteria.
1. Compare the hours
A £45 daily fee for seven hours is not necessarily better value than a £50 fee for ten hours.
Always check the total hours.
2. Check what is included
Ask whether meals, snacks, activities and learning resources are included.
3. Understand funding
Ask how funded childcare will be applied to your child’s sessions.
4. Check additional charges
Find out whether there are charges for registration, meals, additional hours or optional activities.
5. Consider location
A nursery that is close to your home or workplace may save you time and travel costs every day.
6. Visit the nursery
Price is important, but your child’s experience matters just as much.
During a visit, look at:
- The learning environment
- Staff interaction
- Children’s engagement
- Indoor and outdoor spaces
- Daily routines
- EYFS provision
- Meals and snacks
- Communication with parents
- School-readiness activities
Nursery Costs for Families in Fulham
For families living in Fulham and surrounding areas of West London, choosing a nursery close to home or work can make the daily routine much easier.
Travel time, drop-offs and collections can quickly add up during a working week.
This is why families should consider the complete childcare arrangement rather than looking at the daily fee alone.
When comparing nurseries in Fulham, consider:
- Daily and weekly fees
- Session times
- Availability
- Funded childcare
- What’s included
- Location
- Learning and development
- Staff
- The nursery environment
A nursery that fits naturally into your family’s daily routine can provide much better practical value.
Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten in Fulham
Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten provides early years education and childcare for children aged 2 to 5 in Fulham.
Located on Moore Park Road, the nursery offers full-time and flexible childcare options designed to support different family routines.
Caring Hands follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a focus on learning through play, curiosity and exploration.
The nursery also supports children’s development and school readiness while providing healthy meals and snacks.
For eligible families, Caring Hands accepts government-funded childcare options. You can find more information on the Caring Hands funding page and discuss your individual circumstances directly with the nursery.
If you are comparing nursery fees in Fulham, it is best to contact the nursery for the latest fees, available sessions and information about how funded hours can be used.
What Should You Ask a Nursery About Daily Fees?
Before choosing a nursery, make sure you understand exactly what you will be paying.
Here are some useful questions to ask:
What is your current daily nursery fee?
Ask for the latest fee information, as prices can change.
How many hours are included in a full day?
This allows you to compare different nurseries fairly.
Do you offer half-day sessions?
This may be useful if you only need childcare for part of the day.
Are meals and snacks included?
Find out whether these are included or charged separately.
Do you accept funded childcare?
If you are eligible, ask how the funded hours will be applied.
Can funded hours be stretched across the year?
Not every provider uses the same arrangement, so check directly with the nursery.
Are additional hours available?
This is important if you need childcare outside your funded sessions.
Are there any other charges?
Ask about registration fees, meals, activities and other possible costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursery Cost Per Day
How much is nursery per day in London?
There is no standard daily nursery price across London. The cost depends on the nursery, location, child’s age, number of hours and what is included.
For 2026, Coram reports an average post-entitlement nursery cost of £86.54 per week for 25 hours and £179.13 for 50 hours for three- and four-year-olds in Inner London.
How much does nursery cost for one day a week?
The cost depends on the nursery’s daily or session fee. Some nurseries offer specific one-day arrangements, while others may have minimum attendance requirements.
Ask the nursery whether one-day attendance is available and what fee applies.
Is nursery cheaper if my child attends more days?
Not necessarily.
Some nurseries may offer different rates depending on the number of sessions booked, but pricing structures vary.
Always compare the total weekly or monthly cost.
Does a half-day nursery cost less than a full day?
Usually, a shorter session will cost less overall than a full day, but the exact price depends on the nursery.
Check how many hours are included in each session before comparing prices.
Can funded childcare reduce the cost of nursery?
Yes, eligible families may be able to use government-funded childcare to reduce the cost of eligible hours.
In England, eligible working parents can currently receive up to 30 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year for children aged 9 months to 4 years, subject to eligibility.
Do funded nursery hours cover meals?
Not necessarily.
GOV.UK states that parents may still be asked to pay for extras such as meals, nappies, additional hours and additional activities.
Ask your nursery for a clear breakdown of any charges that apply to your funded place.
How can I work out my monthly nursery cost?
Multiply your daily nursery fee by the number of days your child attends each week, then multiply the weekly figure by approximately 4.33 to estimate a monthly cost.
Your nursery’s own fee structure should always take priority over this simple calculation.
Is nursery more expensive in Inner London?
Inner London is among the more expensive areas for nursery childcare. Coram’s 2026 survey reports higher average nursery costs in Inner London than Outer London for the benchmarked 25- and 50-hour places for three- and four-year-olds.
Individual nursery fees can still vary considerably.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Nursery Cost Per Day
Knowing how much nursery costs per day in London can help you plan your family’s childcare budget, but the daily fee is only one part of the picture.
When comparing nurseries, look at:
- The number of hours included
- Daily and weekly fees
- What is included in the price
- Funded childcare eligibility
- Additional charges
- Session flexibility
- Location
- Quality of early years provision
For families in Fulham, finding a nursery that combines a practical location, suitable sessions and a nurturing learning environment can make everyday childcare much easier.
If you are considering a nursery place for your child, contact Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten to discuss available sessions, current fees and funded childcare options.