Nursery Fees in London: A Guide for Parents in 2026
Choosing a nursery is a big decision for any family, and one of the first questions parents naturally ask is: how much are nursery fees in London?
The answer depends on several factors, including your child’s age, the number of hours they attend, the type of nursery you choose and whether you are eligible for funded childcare.
London is one of the more expensive parts of the UK for childcare, so understanding how nursery fees are calculated can make it easier to compare different options and plan your budget.
In this guide, we explain nursery fees in London, what can be included in the price, what affects the cost and how government-funded childcare may help eligible families.
How Much Are Nursery Fees in London?
Nursery fees vary considerably across London, so there is no single price that applies to every nursery.
The amount you pay will usually depend on:
- Your child’s age
- How many days or hours they attend
- Whether you need full-time or part-time care
- The nursery’s location
- What is included in the fees
- Whether you are using funded childcare
- Whether additional hours are required beyond your funded entitlement
The 2026 Childcare Survey from Coram Family and Childcare provides a useful benchmark for parents. After funded entitlements have been taken into account, the average cost of a 25-hour nursery place for three- and four-year-olds in Inner London is £86.54 per week, while a 50-hour place costs £179.13 per week.
These figures are averages rather than fixed nursery prices. Individual nurseries can charge different amounts depending on their setting, opening hours, facilities, staffing and fee structure.
For parents comparing nursery costs in London, it is therefore important to look beyond the headline weekly or monthly figure.
What Is Included in Nursery Fees?
When comparing nursery prices, check exactly what you are paying for.
A nursery fee may cover a combination of:
- Childcare and supervision
- Early years education
- EYFS-based activities
- Indoor and outdoor play
- Learning resources
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies, where applicable
- Special activities or celebrations
- Extended opening hours
However, what is included varies from one nursery to another.
For example, one nursery may include meals and snacks within its standard fees, while another may charge separately. Some settings may also have additional charges for trips, activities or other optional services.
This is particularly important when comparing private nursery fees in London. A nursery with a higher headline fee may actually offer better overall value if more is included.
Questions to ask about nursery fees
Before choosing a nursery, ask:
- What does the standard fee include?
- Are meals and snacks included?
- Are there registration or joining fees?
- Are there additional charges for activities?
- How are funded hours applied?
- What happens if my child attends additional hours?
- Are there charges during nursery closures?
- Can funded hours be stretched across the year?
- What notice is required to change sessions?
- Are there different rates for morning and afternoon sessions?
Getting clear answers to these questions will help you compare nurseries on a like-for-like basis.
What Factors Affect Nursery Costs in London?
Several factors can influence the cost of nursery in London.
1. Your child's age
Nurseries may have different pricing structures depending on age. Younger children generally require higher staff-to-child ratios, which can affect the cost of providing care.
Parents looking for a nursery for a two-year-old should therefore check the specific fees and session options available for that age group.
2. Number of hours
The number of hours your child attends is one of the biggest factors affecting your total nursery fees.
A family using a few sessions each week will naturally have a different monthly cost from a family requiring full-time childcare.
3. Location
Nursery prices can vary across London.
Inner London areas can be particularly expensive, and the 2026 Coram survey shows that Inner London has higher average nursery costs than many other English regions.
However, location should not be the only factor when comparing nurseries. Quality, convenience, staff, learning environment and the suitability of the setting for your child all matter too.
4. Full-time versus part-time care
Full-time nursery care generally costs more overall because your child attends for more hours.
However, the cost per session or hour may vary depending on the nursery’s fee structure.
5. What the nursery provides
Some nurseries include meals, snacks, resources and activities as part of their standard fees.
Others may have separate charges.
Always compare the total expected cost, rather than simply comparing the advertised daily or monthly fee.
Nursery Fees in Different Parts of London
There is no single average price that accurately represents every part of London.
A nursery in Inner London may have different operating costs from one in Outer London. Local property costs, staffing costs, demand and the type of setting can all influence fees.
The 2026 Coram survey illustrates this regional difference. For 50 hours of nursery childcare for three- and four-year-olds, the reported average after entitlements was £179.13 per week in Inner London, compared with £158.31 in Outer London.
This does not mean every nursery in Inner London charges £179.13, nor that every nursery in Outer London charges £158.31.
Instead, the figures provide a useful indication of how childcare costs can vary geographically.
For parents in Fulham and West London, it is worth comparing nurseries based on their actual session fees and what is included rather than relying solely on London-wide averages.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Nursery Fees
One of the most important decisions when calculating your nursery budget is whether you need part-time or full-time childcare.
Part-time nursery
Part-time nursery can work well for families who:
- Work part-time
- Have flexible working arrangements
- Share childcare responsibilities
- Only need childcare on certain days
- Want their child to gradually become familiar with a nursery environment
Your overall weekly or monthly cost will depend on the number of sessions you choose.
Full-time nursery
Full-time nursery may be more suitable for parents who work regular full-time hours or need childcare throughout most of the working week.
Although the total cost is higher, full-time care can provide a consistent routine for your child and make childcare arrangements simpler for working families.
When comparing average nursery costs in London, always check how many hours the quoted price represents.
A weekly fee for 25 hours cannot be directly compared with a fee covering 50 hours.
Nursery Fees for 2-Year-Olds
Parents often search specifically for nursery costs for 2-year-olds, as this is an important stage when many children begin nursery.
The price can vary depending on the nursery and the number of hours required.
There may also be government-funded childcare available for eligible two-year-olds. In England, eligible working parents can access funded childcare, while some two-year-olds receiving certain forms of additional support may also qualify for funded early learning.
Because eligibility can depend on your circumstances, parents should check the current government guidance before making assumptions about how much they will need to pay.
If you are specifically looking for a nursery for a two-year-old in Fulham, you should also ask the nursery how its funded hours work and whether your preferred attendance pattern can be accommodated.
Can Funded Childcare Reduce Nursery Fees?
Yes. Eligible families in England may be able to use government-funded childcare to reduce the amount they pay for nursery.
For eligible working parents, the current offer can provide 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year for children from 9 months until school age, subject to eligibility.
There is also a universal 15-hour entitlement for all three- and four-year-olds, with additional funded hours available to eligible working parents. Some eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded early learning.
However, funded childcare does not necessarily mean that every nursery expense will disappear.
The government’s funding guidance explains that funding is intended to cover core childcare costs, while items such as meals, snacks, nappies and optional activities may not be covered by the funding. Providers may also charge for additional private hours, subject to the applicable rules.
This is why parents should ask a nursery for a clear explanation of how funded hours are applied.
Find out more about childcare funding
If you are considering a nursery in Fulham, you can read our dedicated childcare funding information to understand how Caring Hands approaches funded childcare.
Why Funded Hours May Not Cover Your Entire Nursery Bill
One common misunderstanding is that receiving 15 or 30 funded hours means a child can attend nursery completely free of charge for any number of hours.
The funded entitlement is based on specified hours and weeks of childcare.
For example, the standard 30-hour working-parent entitlement is provided for 38 weeks of the year. Some providers may offer a stretched arrangement, allowing fewer funded hours per week across more weeks of the year.
If you need childcare outside the funded hours, you may still need to pay for those additional sessions.
The exact way this works varies between providers, so always ask the nursery to explain your expected costs before confirming a place.
How to Compare Nursery Prices in London
Comparing nursery fees is easier when you use the same checklist for every setting.
Compare the actual hours
Check how many hours are included in the quoted price.
For example, a nursery advertising a weekly fee may offer fewer hours than another nursery with a slightly higher fee.
Check what is included
Ask whether meals, snacks, learning resources and other essentials are included.
Understand funded childcare
Ask how your funded hours will be applied and whether the nursery offers a stretched funding arrangement.
Consider the location
A nursery that is closer to home or work may save you considerable time and travel costs every week.
Look at the learning environment
Price is important, but it should not be the only consideration.
Visit the nursery and consider:
- Staff interaction with children
- The learning environment
- Outdoor play opportunities
- EYFS provision
- Daily routines
- Food and mealtimes
- Communication with parents
- School-readiness support
The right nursery should offer a balance between affordability, quality and convenience.
Choosing a Nursery in Fulham
For families living in Fulham, nursery location can make a significant difference to the daily routine.
A nursery close to home, work or your usual travel route can make drop-offs and collections much easier.
Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten is based at 99 Moore Park Road, Fulham, London SW6 2DA, and provides early years care and education for children aged 2 to 5.
The setting follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with learning built around play, curiosity, exploration and development.
Caring Hands offers full-time and flexible session options, giving families different ways to arrange childcare around their routines.
If you are comparing nursery fees in Fulham, it is worth contacting the nursery directly for current fees and discussing your child’s age, required sessions and eligibility for funded childcare.
Why Choose Caring Hands Nursery?
At Caring Hands, the focus is on creating a welcoming environment where children can learn, play and develop confidence at their own pace.
The nursery provides:
- EYFS-led early years education
- Care for children aged 2 to 5
- Full-time and flexible childcare options
- Morning and afternoon sessions
- Support for school readiness
- Healthy meals and snacks
- Government-funded childcare options for eligible families
- A convenient Fulham location close to Fulham Broadway
For parents comparing private nursery fees in London, the best approach is to look at the complete childcare package rather than focusing only on the headline price.
A nursery should provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment while offering a childcare arrangement that works for your family.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Nursery
Before accepting a nursery place, consider asking the following:
What are your current nursery fees?
Ask for the latest fee information rather than relying on older online figures.
How many hours are included?
Make sure you understand the exact start and finish times.
Do you accept funded childcare?
If you are eligible, ask how your funded hours can be used.
What is included in the fees?
Check meals, snacks, resources and activities.
Are there additional charges?
Ask about registration fees, additional sessions and optional activities.
Can I change my sessions later?
Your childcare needs may change as your working arrangements change.
How far in advance should I apply?
Popular nurseries can have limited availability, particularly for preferred days.
What happens during holidays or nursery closures?
Make sure you understand how the nursery’s calendar affects your childcare arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursery Fees in London
How much does nursery cost in London?
There is no single nursery price across London. Fees vary according to the child’s age, hours of attendance, location, nursery and what is included.
As a 2026 benchmark, Coram reports an average post-entitlement cost of £86.54 per week for 25 hours of nursery care for three- and four-year-olds in Inner London and £179.13 for 50 hours.
How much are private nursery fees in London?
Private nursery fees vary between providers. The total cost depends on the child’s age, number of sessions, opening hours and what the nursery includes in its fees.
Parents should request the nursery’s current fee information before comparing prices.
Is nursery free in London?
Some eligible families can access funded childcare in England, but this does not necessarily mean that all nursery hours or additional costs are free.
The current government-funded childcare schemes depend on the child’s age and the family’s eligibility.
Does 30 hours childcare cover the whole year?
The standard 30-hour entitlement is provided for 38 weeks of the year. Some providers may offer a stretched arrangement over more weeks, so parents should ask their chosen nursery how it operates its funded hours.
Do I still pay anything if my child receives funded childcare?
You may still have costs for additional hours or items not covered by the funded entitlement. Government guidance states that funding does not cover certain costs such as consumables and optional activities, although providers must follow the applicable rules around charges associated with funded places.
How can I find affordable nursery fees in London?
Start by comparing several nurseries in your local area. Look at the total cost, hours provided, what’s included, funded childcare options, location and quality of provision rather than simply choosing the nursery with the lowest advertised fee.
Final Thoughts on Nursery Fees in London
Understanding nursery fees in London can make planning childcare much easier.
Prices vary considerably depending on the nursery, location, your child’s age and the number of hours you need. Government-funded childcare can also reduce the amount eligible families need to pay, although additional hours and certain costs may still apply.
The most important thing is to compare nurseries based on the overall value they provide, not just the advertised price.
If you are looking for a nursery in Fulham for your two- to five-year-old, take the time to visit the setting, ask about fees and funded childcare, and find out how the nursery can fit around your family’s routine.
Contact Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten to discuss your childcare requirements and find out more about available sessions.