Childcare Survey 2026

Childcare Survey Special Edition

In our Childcare Survey 2026, we look back over 25 years of data collection on the cost of childcare since the first survey in 2001.

Childcare costs have increased at a higher rate than inflation over the last 25 years. Our 25-year analysis shows year-on-year rise in childcare costs for under-twos in England, until expansion of government funded entitlements in 2024-25 brought the cost of a part-time childcare place for eligible working parents back to what it was in 2005.

The cost of a part-time (25 hour) childcare place for a child under two in spring 2024 was nearly triple what it was in 2001. The cost fell for working parents in 2025 but continued to increase for those who are not eligible for the funded entitlement.  There is a risk that disadvantaged children are being priced out of accessing the same early years education as those  eligible for 30 government-funded hours.

In 2026, for families eligible for the entitlement, now fully expanded to 30 hours, a part-time place for a child under two may now theoretically be free during term-time, and the cost of a full-time place is down by 39% on last year. However, Scotland and Wales see price rises in 2026 of 5% and 8% respectively.