How much will my childcare cost and what will be included in the charges?
The cost of childcare will be different depending on the type of childcare you choose. As a guide, the local hourly rates are:
- Childminders: £3.00 – £5.20
- Day nurseries: £4.10 - £5.11
- Pre-schools: £2.60 - £5.00
- Out of School Clubs: from £5
- Creches: from £3
- Nannies: from £6
Many childcare providers run their days by sessions, and you may be expected to take on a whole session. Sessions vary in length, from a 2½ hours to a whole day.
Some childcare providers may charge for additional services on top of their hourly rate and some may include additional services within this charge. Therefore, you will need to ask what is included in the charges.
You will need to sign a contract between you and the childcare provider that details:
- additional service charges
- charges made for sickness or holiday absence
- the deposit required to secure your child's place
There may be additional factors included within the contract which you should discuss with the provider before signing.
