Nursery World - Childcare fees now higher than mortgage, but rise slows

Families pay on average more for childcare than their mortgage, according to the annual childcare costs survey by the Family and Childcare Trust.

However, the survey found that there has been no rise in the cost for nursery for a part-time place for children aged two and over in England.

The research shows that fee increases have largely been for provision for under-twos, although there are sharp regional differences.

In Wales the cost for a place for an under-two has risen by 11.7 per cent, and in Scotland by 4.8 per cent, but in England by just 2.2 per cent.

The highest increase has been in Wales where fees have risen by 13 per cent in the past 12 months for children aged two and over, and by 8.2 per cent for this age group in Scotland. The average rise for Britain as a whole for a part-time nursery place over two is 1.5 per cent.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included