Funding FAQ

Understanding Nursery Fees in London

How much do nursery fees typically cost in London? 

Nursery fees in London vary depending on location, hours, and the age of your child. All nurseries are now required to publish their fees online. Use our postcode checker to find a fee sheet for a nursery near you.  Costs are higher in London than in many other parts of the UK due to staffing, property, and living costs. Fees can be reduced by using funding if eligible please refer to our fees & funding page for more information. Nurseries are required to publish their fees online so you should be able to review prices and make sure your nursery is competitive – watch out for hidden costs or charges for extras usually reduce as children become eligible for funded childcare. 

Why are nursery fees higher in London? 

London nurseries face higher costs for rent, utilities, and employing qualified staff. At LEYF, fees also reflect our commitment to small group sizes, experienced Early Years Teachers, and high-quality learning environments. 

How does London Early Years Foundation keep childcare affordable? 

LEYF is a social enterprise. We reinvest our income into our nurseries, staff, and children rather than paying profits to shareholders. We try to keep our fees affordable and also offer sessions which are covered by grant funded hours. If you are paying private fees we recommend checking your eligibility for government schemes, – have a look at best start in life checker to see what support you might be eligible for.

What is included in LEYF nursery fees?

What is included in London Early Years Foundation nursery fees? 

LEYF nursery fees include care and education delivered by qualified teams, daily learning activities, and access to thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor environments. Learn more about our education.

Are meals and snacks included? 

Yes. Nutritious meals and snacks are included and prepared with children’s wellbeing in mind. Any dietary requirements are catered for where possible. 

Are nappies and wipes included? 

Most LEYF nurseries do not include nappies and wipes as part of the fee, formula milk is also not included. Your nursery team can confirm what is included at your location. 

Are trips or extra activities included? 

Everyday learning experiences are included. Some special outings or optional activities may have a small additional cost, which will always be shared clearly in advance. 

Comparing LEYF with other nurseries

How do LEYF nursery fees compare with other nursery chains?

Fees will vary depending on the setting, we suggest you have a look at published fee sheets which you’ll be able to find for your nearest nursery here. Make sure to consider if you’ll be billed annually or weekly, if there are any extras, as well as the quality of the teaching in your nursery. LEYF reinvests fees into staff development, research-led practice, and supporting families and communities. Many other organisations are for profit and extract any profits made for shareholders.  

How should I compare nursery fees and what’s included? 

When comparing fees, look beyond the headline price. Check what is included, staff qualifications, child-to-adult ratios, food provision, and how the nursery supports children’s learning and wellbeing. Look out for any extra charges. If you have a question about our nursery fees contact us  

Is the cheapest nursery always the best value? 

Not always. Value comes from consistency of care, experienced staff, and a nurturing environment where children feel secure and supported, make sure to check Ofsted ratings,  and visit any nurseries to get a feeling for the staff and the environment 

Funded childcare

What funded childcare is available for my child? 

LEYF offers places for the full range of Government funded nursery places, subject to eligibility and availability at your chosen setting. 

To check your eligibility and read more about the schemes, please visit: Childcare Eligibility Checker – Best Start in Life

To check for availability at our settings, please contact our Customer Services team at customerservices@leyf.org.uk. 

What is the difference between 15 and 30 funded hours? 

For more information on the different funded schemes we recommend visiting, best  start in life. https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/ 

To find out more about LEYF and funded hours please visit  

When do funded hours start? 

Funded hours depend on the type of funded hours that your child might be eligible for. To find out more visit of funded hours page. https://www.leyf.org.uk/our-nurseries/affordability/funded-places/  

Using funded hours at LEYF nurseries

How can I get a funded 15 or 30 hours place at LEYF? 

LEYF offers places for the full range of Government funded nursery places, subject to eligibility and availability at your chosen setting.

To check your eligibility and read more about the schemes, please visit: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/

To check for availability at our settings, please contact our Customer Services team at customerservices@leyf.org.uk.

Can funded hours be combined with paid hours? 

Yes. Most families use funded hours alongside paid nursery hours to cover their childcare needs across the week, find your local nursery and have a look at our fee sheet to find out about sessions which are available. 

Do funded hours cover the full cost of childcare? 

Funded hours contribute towards the cost of care by covering the cost of some hours. Depending on your booking you may also need to pay for privately funded hours. Please note that Meal charges will appear as an itemised charge on any sessions that are fully government funded only.  Private hour rates already include the cost of food.  

Help with paying nursery fees

Does LEYF accept Tax-Free Childcare? 

Yes. LEYF accepts Tax-Free Childcare, which can help eligible families save up to 20% off their nursery fees To find out more about tax free childcare visit Tax-Free Childcare: What Tax-Free Childcare is – GOV.UK

Does LEYF accept childcare vouchers? 

Some childcare vouchers are accepted, depending on the scheme. Your nursery team can confirm what applies to you. 

Can I use more than one form of support? 

In many cases, families can combine grant funded hours with Tax-Free Childcare. Use the best start in life childcare checker to find out more.  

What if my financial circumstances change? 

If your circumstances change, speak to your nursery manager as soon as possible. We will always aim to offer clear guidance and support.

Applying, payments and changes 

Is there a deposit to secure a nursery place? 

All fee-paying offer letters will include a deposit payment in addition to a registration fee of £100 (non-refundable) which will need to be paid to secure your child’s nursery place. The deposit is half a month’s fees and is payable upon acceptance of an offer. The deposit is offset against your final bill, subject to six weeks’ notice.    

When are nursery fees paid? 

LEYF nursery fees are always paid monthly in advance, on the first day of the month  

Do nursery fees change over time? 

Fees may change due to rising costs or changes in funding. Any changes are communicated clearly and in advance. Fees can change depending on the age of your child, this will depend on your nursery, have a look at your nurseries fee sheet for more details.  

Transparency and trust

How does LEYF use nursery fees? 

Nursery fees are used to fund the high quality high-quality childcare we offer, including staff costs, property expenses, resources, activities and high quality food. LEYF is a charitable social enterprise, so there are no shareholders or owners, We’re governed by trustees who are volunteers and any surplus’ we make are  reinvested into staff training, learning environments, research, and supporting children and families. As a social enterprise, this is central to who we are. 

Who can I speak to about fees or funding? 

If you’d like  to find out more about the sessions LEYF offers contact our customer services team customerservices@leyf.org.uk. who will be able to support you. If you’re unsure about funded childcare from the government we recommend you use the best start in life- childcare support checker https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/ to find out what you might be eligible for.