Part-time UK childcare costs now an ‘eyewatering’ £15k per year

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Childcare costs have risen by nearly 6 per cent over the past year, taking the average price of a full-time nursery place for a toddler under two to an “eyewatering” £14,836 per year, a new report says. The survey also reveals that the number of local authorities in England who report having enough places for the universal 15 hours a week free childcare entitlement for three and four-year-olds has dropped, from 79 per cent last year to 73 per cent this year. “At a time when this gap is widening, it is vital that every child is able to access the high quality education and care that sets them up to learn at school and beyond.” As well as eye watering bills, parents are facing widening gaps in availability of the childcare they need Megan Jarvie, head of Coram Family and Childcare Ahead of next week’s Budget, the charity is calling on the government to reform the childcare system to ensure a place is guaranteed for every child who needs it and parents only pay what they can afford. “The Government must acknowledge the full extent of this crisis and begin to meaningfully support the early years sector before it’s too late.” A government spokesperson said: “The number of childcare places available to families in England has remained broadly stable since 2015 and standards remain high, with 96 per cent of providers rated good or outstanding.