If you are exploring childcare options in the Wallington and Carshalton area, you may be wondering: “How much does nursery cost and why is it so expensive?”
Whether you are looking at preschool, a day nursery, or a school nursery, it’s important to understand what you’re getting for your money. This guide breaks it down, so you can make an informed decision that works for your child and your family.
What am I paying for?
The cost of early years care and education can vary depending on the type of setting:
- Day nurseries typically charge a daily or weekly rate, based on year-round opening hours.
- Preschools often operate during term time only, and may charge per session or termly.
- School nurseries, attached to primary schools, are often subsidised and offered at a lower cost.
All high-quality early years settings share a few core cost drivers:
- People are the biggest investment
The most significant part of your fees goes toward staffing, because:
- Qualified, experienced staff earn higher wages (and rightly so).
- Settings with enhanced ratios (more adults per child) provide better care, attention, and learning outcomes, but come with higher staffing costs.
- Ongoing training and development ensures your child is supported by professionals who are up to date with best practices from safeguarding to supporting speech and language.
High ratios + skilled staff = quality care (and higher costs)
- Premises and utilities
Unlike school nurseries most independent nurseries and preschools must cover all building-related costs, including:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Business rates and insurance
- Commercial utility bills (heating, lighting, water)
- Cleaning, security and maintenance.
- Resources and learning environments
Your child’s learning does not come just from people, it’s also shaped by their surroundings. High-quality settings invest in:
- Open-ended play materials, natural resources, sensory tools and books
- Child-sized furniture and accessible displays
- Outdoor learning spaces that encourage movement and risk-taking
- Regular refreshes to reflect children’s interests and developmental needs.
- Hours of operation
Settings which operate full days and all year round face much higher running costs than sessional term-time preschools or school nurseries, simply because they are open for more hours, more days, and need more staff cover (including for sickness and holidays).
- Behind the scenes
You may not see these, but they still matter:
- Leadership and admin teams
- Management software and billing systems
- Safeguarding and compliance processes
- First aid, fire safety, and risk assessments.
So… will I get my money’s worth?
Early years care is a significant investment, but it is also a foundation for your child’s lifelong learning, confidence, and wellbeing. A strong start in a high-quality setting supports:
- Communication and social skills
- Early literacy and maths
- Emotional regulation and independence
- Resilience and curiosity
- School readiness and long-term outcomes.
What about funded places, is nursery really free?
Government funding (see table below) does not cover the full cost of delivering childcare especially in London, where costs are higher. Think of how a budget airline ticket gets you a seat but you need to pay for any extras. So most providers (like Play B C) offer funded hours with an additional charge to cover things like:
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies, wipes and creams
- Enrichment activities (like yoga, forest school, French, etc)
- Consumables (seasonal craft materials, play dough, cooking ingredients, etc).
This helps providers keep standards high without compromising on quality and ensures your child still receives a full, rich early years experience.
What are “consumables” and why do I have to pay for them?
“Consumables” refers to all the bits and bobs your child uses up during the day from paper, glue, and glitter to aprons, snacks, tissues and soap. As funding does not cover these, many nurseries and preschools apply a daily or weekly consumables charge (often between £2–£10 per day), depending on what’s included. This helps maintain a high-quality, hands-on learning environment.
Is there any help available?
Families may be eligible for additional support through:
- Tax-Free Childcare (up to £2,000/year per child)
- Universal Credit childcare costs
- Childcare Vouchers (if your employer still offers them)
Settings may access additional funding through:
- Early Years Pupil Premium (for eligible two to four year olds)
- SEND Inclusion Funding (for children with additional needs)
Your chosen provider should be happy to help you understand what you are eligible for.
What should I look for when weighing up cost vs value?
It is natural to compare fees, but a better question may be: what kind of experience do I want for my child?
When evaluating options, consider:
- Ratios and staff experience
- Consistency and continuity of care
- Environments that are clean, stimulating and inclusive
- Communication with families
- Extras like trips, visitors, or outdoor learning.
The cheapest option is not always the best value and you do not always get more if you pay more. Ask what’s included, what’s extra, and what sets the nursery apart.
Still have questions?
At Play B C, we’re always happy to talk openly about fees, funding, and what your child’s experience will include. Transparency matters, and we know how important this decision is for your family.
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Play B C has settings in Wallington and Carshalton, and offers term-time or 48 week places with a teacher-led team, high adult ratios, and a play-rich, nurturing environment, where every day is a learning adventure.
What to read next…
Find out about fees and funding at Play B C here.
| Child’s Age | Entitlement | Eligibility | When it Starts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From nine months | 30 hours (38 weeks) |
Working families only (criteria applies) | Starts term after child reaches nine months | Some providers “stretch” across the year
May be a charge for meals, snacks, or extras |
| Two | 15 or 30 hours (38 weeks) |
15 hours: low-income families (income-based eligibility)
30 hours: working families only (criteria applies) |
Starts term after child reaches two | Apply via Childcare Choices
May be a charge for meals, snacks, or extras |
| Three and four | 15 or 30 hours (38 weeks) |
15 hours: universal (all families)
30 hours: working families (criteria applies) |
Starts term after child reaches three | Universal 15 hours guaranteed
30 hours must be applied for |
For more information and to check your eligibility, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
