Childcare: Fees and Charges
Lords · Question HL14919 · Tabled 26 Feb 2026 · Department for Education · Official record
Answered 12 Mar 2026
Question
Asked by Lord Bird
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the average hourly rate paid to early years providers for the 30 hours of free childcare entitlement in this financial year; and what detailed analysis they have carried out to compare that rate to the median hourly
Answer
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern, 12 Mar 2026
In 2025/26, the average rate per hour that the department pays to local authorities is £11.54 for under 2s, £8.53 for 2-year olds, and £6.12 for 3-and-4-year olds although this will vary by local authorities to reflect how costs vary across the country. L...