Search Icon

Childcare costs more expensive than Eton

The cost of putting a child into nursery can be as much as £42,000 a year, while average salaries are stagnating, according to a report by Daycare Trust.

Working parents face paying up to £42,000 a year for a nursery place, with the most expensive now potentially costing more than a place at Eton, research warns today.

Childcare costs are rising at twice the rate of inflation, and using after-school clubs costs more than a family holiday to Florida, according to the study.

The annual report from Daycare Trust and the Family and Parenting Institute found that fees for childminders and nurseries were rising sharply while average salaries stagnated.

The report prompted calls for George Osborne to announce more help for parents to afford childcare in this month’s Budget.

The Coalition has been preparing to offer tax breaks for childcare but an announcement was delayed because of wrangling between ministers.

The report said the most expensive nursery in the country costs £408.75 for 25 hours a week. Full-time that would be £10,000 more than Eton’s fees.