Childcare Cost Calculator
What's My Childcare Cost?
Calculate your childcare costs and potential savings
Childcare Details
May 2026
Session costs
Funded Hours
Weekly Schedule
Your Results
Choose your month, session costs, and schedule, then calculate to see your monthly estimate.
Tax-Free Childcare savings
Government adds 20p for every 80p you pay
Understanding Childcare Costs
Funded Childcare Hours
The UK government offers free childcare hours to help parents with costs. The amount available depends on your location and child's age:
England
- 15 hours per week for eligible working parents of children from 9-months to 3-year olds
- 30 hours per week for eligible working parents of 3-4 year olds
Scotland
- 1,140 hours per year for all 3-4 year olds
- Some 2 year olds also eligible
Term Time Only
- Full funded hours during term time
- No funded hours during holidays
- Higher savings during term time
- Higher costs during holidays
Year-Round Distribution
- Funded hours spread across the year
- Consistent monthly costs
- Easier budgeting
- Lower but steady savings
Funding Distribution Options
The availability of term-time or year-round funding distribution depends on your childcare provider. Please check with them about their specific arrangements and which options they offer.
Additional Financial Support
Beyond funded hours, there are several other ways to get help with childcare costs:
Tax-Free Childcare
Get up to £2,000 per child per year towards childcare costs
Universal Credit
Claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs
Tax Credits
Get help with up to 70% of childcare costs
Understand funding, support and real childcare costs
Read the childcare cost guide to see how funded hours, provider choices and support schemes can change the numbers.