Childcare can be a considerable expense for many families, and often, choosing the right option depends heavily on the costs involved. For many parents, finding affordable and reliable childcare is essential and can be the deciding factor on whether returning to work is financially worthwhile.
Factors Influencing the Average Cost of Childcare
The cost of childcare can vary depending on several factors, including the type of childcare provider, your location, the age of your children, the number of children you need looking after, and the number of hours of childcare needed.
Our detailed guides are here to help you figure out the best childcare option for your family. Learn all about the different roles of a childminder, nanny or babysitter in our easy-to-follow guides.
Government Funded Childcare Schemes
There are Government schemes, called Childcare Choices which aim to help families manage the cost of childcare.
From April 2024, existing childcare support will be broadened in phases. By September 2025, most working families with children under 5 years will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support per week.
The following changes are being introduced gradually so that childcare providers can meet the needs of more families:
From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support.
From September 2024, 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months to 3-year-olds.
From September 2025, eligible working parents with a child from 9 months old up to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.
You can find more information about these initiatives on the goverment website.
Comparing Costs of Different Childcare Providers
At Yoopies, the cost of childcare varies depending on the region (costs in London are typically higher than the rest of the country), the type of provider, their experience, qualifications, the ages and number of children, and the specific times when care is needed.
Here are the average costs for nannies, babysitters, and childminders, in the UK:
Childminders:
Many parents choose childminders over nurseries as they tend to be more affordable. Childminders typically charge between £5 and £10 per hour per child, with variations depending on location, the childminder’s qualifications, and the exact nature of the care required.
Parents eligible for government-funded childcare allowances can further reduce these expenses when using Ofsted registered childminders, making it a more cost-effective option.
Nannies:
The cost of hiring a nanny varies depending on the arrangement. Daytime nannies in London generally charge between £15 and £25 per hour, while in other parts of the UK, the rate is usually between £9 and £16 per hour. Evening and weekend care often mean higher rates, reflecting the extra demand and non-standard working hours.
Nannies may prefer a weekly or monthly salary if they work flexible hours tailored to your family’s schedule. To cut costs, consider a nanny share. On average a nanny share will cost a family around a third less than a full time nanny, as the nanny splits their time with another family, either working alternative shifts or looking after both family’s children at once.
Babysitters:
The cost of babysitters varies greatly depending on the age and experience of the babysitter. You must pay your babysitter at least the minimum wage for their age, which is:
- £6.40 for under 18 year olds.
- £8.60 for 18 – 20 year olds.
- £11.44 for 21 year olds or over.
However, a quality babysitter can command a much higher rate, especially those with high levels of experience, and they will often charge more for babysitting during early morning hours or after midnight.
Finding Affordable childcare
There are many different approaches to finding childcare. Word of mouth and childcare agencies are classic approaches. Agencies offer high-quality, reliable services but typically come at a higher cost. These days, many people now turn to online platforms which can combine the reliability of an agency with more affordable pricing.
At Yoopies our applicants are free to set their own rates and we never take commission from our childcare providers allowing them to remain as competitive as possible in their pricing. Understanding these options can help you secure the best childcare arrangement within your budget.