Free UK Childcare & Nanny Cost Calculators 2026
Nanny PAYE employer cost, childminder EYFS pricing, nursery P&L, Tax-Free Childcare savings and more — updated for 2025/26 rates. Free to use, no account needed.
Nanny PAYE Employer Cost Calculator
Calculate the true employer cost of a nanny — gross salary, employer NI, pension auto-enrolment and Nannytax fees.
Live-In Nanny True Cost Calculator
Total cost of a live-in nanny including accommodation value, gross pay, NI and holiday pay.
Childminder EYFS Pricing Calculator
Set childminder session prices based on EYFS funded hours, ratio requirements and local authority funding rates.
Nursery EYFS Ratios & P&L Calculator
Model nursery P&L with staff ratios, funded hours mix and occupancy — baby, toddler and pre-school rooms.
Tax-Free Childcare Saving Calculator
Calculate your annual saving under Tax-Free Childcare — government adds 20p for every 80p you deposit.
Au Pair Cost Calculator
Total UK au pair cost including weekly pocket money, meals, accommodation and return flights.
After-School Club P&L Calculator
Revenue, staff cost and profit for an after-school or holiday club — session pricing and capacity.
Sleep Consultant Package Pricing
Calculate profitable sleep consultant package pricing based on hours, materials and overhead.
Holiday Camp P&L Calculator
Model holiday camp profitability — daily rate, staff ratios, venue cost and occupancy.
Kids' Class Franchise ROI
Estimate ROI from a children's activities franchise — franchise fee, royalties, class revenue and break-even.
UK Childcare Costs & Regulation 2025/26
Childcare in the UK is one of the most significant household expenses for working families. The government has expanded the 30 hours free childcare scheme in phases from April 2024 — from September 2024 all working parents of children aged 9 months and over qualify for 15 hours free, rising to 30 hours for 3–4 year olds. Tax-Free Childcare offers a further 20% government top-up on childcare costs for working parents. For employers of nannies and au pairs, PAYE registration is mandatory and auto-enrolment pension obligations apply from day one of employment if the nanny meets the eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to employ a nanny in the UK in 2025/26?
- The total employer cost of a nanny is typically 15–20% above the gross salary. On top of the nanny's gross pay you must add employer National Insurance at 13.8% on earnings above the secondary threshold (£9,100/year in 2025/26), auto-enrolment pension contributions (minimum 3% employer on qualifying earnings), and payroll service fees of around £250–400/year if you use a service such as Nannytax or Nannypaye.
- What is Tax-Free Childcare and how much can I save?
- Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme where for every 80p you deposit into an online childcare account, the government adds 20p — equivalent to basic-rate tax relief. The maximum government top-up is £500 per quarter (£2,000/year) per child under 12, or £1,000 per quarter (£4,000/year) for disabled children under 17. Both parents must be working and each earning at least £2,167 per quarter (equivalent to 16 hours at the National Living Wage), and neither can earn over £100,000/year.
- What are the EYFS staff-to-child ratios in 2025/26?
- The EYFS statutory staff-to-child ratios in England are: 0–2 years — 1:3; 2–3 years — 1:4 (or 1:5 if at least one member of staff holds a full Level 3 qualification); 3–5 years — 1:8 (or 1:13 if a qualified teacher or Early Years Professional leads the session). Childminders working alone can care for a maximum of 6 children under 8, of whom no more than 3 may be under 5.
- Can I use Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare at the same time?
- Yes — Tax-Free Childcare and the 30 hours free childcare entitlement can be used together. The 30 hours free (for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds, and from September 2024 extended in phases to working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years) covers term-time hours at a registered provider. Tax-Free Childcare can then be used to pay for any additional hours, wraparound care or holiday childcare. You cannot use Tax-Free Childcare alongside Tax Credits or the Universal Credit childcare element.