DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
How much does part-time nursery cost in the UK?
A part-time nursery place, often two or three days a week, suits families who share care or only need cover for part of the week. It is usually priced per month based on the days you book. What you pay per day can actually be higher than a full-time place, because nurseries reward the families who take more sessions.
The quick version
- Part-time usually means fixed days each week rather than odd hours here and there.
- The per-day rate can be higher than a full-time place, since full weeks often come with a better rate.
- Funded hours can cover a big slice of a part-time place, sometimes most of it, depending on your child's age.
- Popular days such as Monday and Friday can be harder to book and fill up first.
- Meals and nappies are still charged the same way as on a full-time place.
What people actually paid
The gap: advertised vs actually paid (medians)
People reported paying 63% less than the advertised list price for nursery (part-time).
List prices are advertised prices; paid figures are what people reported, often for different cases. Treat the gap as a signal, not a quote.
Why the price varies so much
Part-time fees depend on how many days you take, which days they are, and your child's age. A younger child in the baby room costs more per day than an older one, and full weeks usually carry a better daily rate than two or three days. Postcode plays a big role too, with London and the South East charging well above the rest of the country. Funded hours can wipe out a large part of the bill, so two families booking the same days can pay very different top-ups depending on how those hours land.
How to pay less
- Line up your funded hours with the days you book so more of the place is covered for free.
- Use Tax-Free Childcare to top up whatever sits above the funded hours.
- Ask whether midweek days are cheaper or easier to get than Mondays and Fridays.
- Consider a childminder for the odd extra day, as hourly booking can be more flexible than a nursery.
- Check the Universal Credit childcare element if you are a lower-income working family, as it applies to part-time hours too.
Common questions
Why does part-time cost more per day than full-time?
Nurseries need to fill places to cover their fixed costs, so they often give a better daily rate to families who book a full week. A couple of days leaves gaps that are harder to fill, and the price reflects that.
Can funded hours cover a whole part-time place?
Sometimes. If your child qualifies for the wider funded hours and you only book a couple of days, the funded hours can cover most or all of the sessions, leaving little more than extras like meals to pay.
Which days are best to book?
Midweek days like Tuesday to Thursday are often easier to get than Mondays and Fridays, which parents tend to grab first. Asking early gives you a better chance of the pattern you want.
Is part-time nursery or a childminder better value?
It depends on ages and how flexible you need to be. A childminder charges by the hour and can suit odd days, while a part-time nursery place gives fixed days in a group setting. Comparing both on the days you actually need is the fairest test.