How much does a childminder cost?
A childminder is registered and cares for a small group of children in their own home, which usually makes them cheaper than a nursery place and more flexible on hours. Rates are quoted per hour per child, with after-school pickup often charged as a weekly rate.
Rates last refreshed 10 August 2026
London vs UK rates
| Type | London | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Childminder | £8.64/hr | £6.59/hr |
| Nursery (day rate) | £84.30/day | £68.40/day |
| After-school care | £127/wk | £81/wk |
Hourly childminder rates
Childminders charge per hour per child, and most set a minimum session. Because they care for a small mixed-age group, siblings often attract a discount, worth asking about directly. Across London that works out at about £8.64/hr.
Childminder vs nursery
Nurseries sell sessions and days rather than hours, with minimum bookings and extras such as meals and registration fees on top, so a raw hourly comparison flatters the nursery. Childminders tend to be more flexible on pickup times and quieter in group size. Across London that works out at about £84.30/day.
After-school pickup
Many childminders collect from local schools and care for children until parents finish work. This is usually priced as a weekly term-time rate rather than per hour, and the good ones are booked well before September. Across London that works out at about £127/wk.
Funded hours
Registered childminders can usually deliver government-funded early education hours, which can substantially reduce what you pay for eligible children. Confirm directly with the childminder which funded hours they accept and whether they charge for meals or consumables on top.
Common questions
How much does a childminder cost per hour?
Childminders charge per hour per child, with London rates above the UK average. Sibling discounts and funded early education hours can cut the effective cost significantly.
Is a childminder cheaper than a nursery?
Usually, yes, particularly once nursery extras such as meals, registration and late-pickup fees are included. Childminders are also generally more flexible on start and finish times.
Do childminders charge for holidays and sick days?
Most charge a retainer or full rate for booked days regardless of attendance, and set out their own holiday policy. Ask for it in writing before you start.
How much is after-school childminder care?
It's normally billed as a weekly term-time rate covering the school run and care until pickup, rather than hourly. London rates run well above the England average.
Find a DBS-checked sitter near you
Browsing profiles and every safety check is free. No booking fees, no commission, sitters keep 100% of what you pay them.
Childminder costs by London borough
Sources & methodology
Figures are midpoints of current advertised rates for each type of childcare, compiled from published UK childcare rate surveys and advertised London rates, then grouped by borough, zone or London-wide depending on how granular the underlying data is. Each figure is labelled with the level it comes from, so nothing here implies more precision than the data supports. Rates exclude any agency fees, KidSitter charges no booking fee or commission. Last refreshed 10 August 2026.