How to use the calculator
This calculator estimates how much you might spend on childcare. It lets you explore using different arrangements which you can mix and match if you want to. For example, you might use a nursery two days a week but a childminder on the other days, or you choose an au pair to help with older children but a nursery for your baby. You can use the calculator in two ways: either enter figures you have collected for specific childcare arrangements; or get a rough idea by using the average figures built into the calculator.
The results depend on the answers you give - only you will know this information - it is not passed onto anyone else.
Please answer the questions by choosing the correct response from the drop-down menu. The calculator will automatically work out the estimated costs of childcare you might have to pay. To change the information either change the drop-down menu or click the 'Reset' button. To store your information please click the 'Save' button - this will allow you to continue at a later date.
The calculator uses tax data for 2010/11 and the most up-to-date childcare cost data available in early 2010.
| What would you like to do? |
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| How many children need care? |
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| Of these, how many are under age 2? |
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| Where do you live? |
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| Estimates of the childcare costs you might have to pay |
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Estimated total weekly cost |
Estimated weekly cost per child |
| Nursery |
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| This is the average cost of a full-time nursery in your region based on a survey by the Daycare Trust. In addition, you need to consider the travelling costs of getting to and from your chosen nursery. |
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| Childminder |
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This is the average cost of a full-time childminder in your region based on a survey by the Daycare Trust. In addition, you need to consider the travelling costs of getting to and from your chosen childminder.
This is the average cost of a full-time childminder in your region based on a survey by the Northern Ireland Childminding Association. In addition, you need to consider the travelling costs of getting to and from your chosen childminder.
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| Live-in nanny |
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This is the average wage for a nanny based on a survey by Nannytax plus associated taxes that you must pay and the estimated cost of food and fuel your nanny might consume. We assume that you already have space in your home to provide a nanny with her own room. In addition, you might have the following costs:
- You will be your nanny's employer and ought to have employer's liability insurance, but check whether this is already included in any house contents insurance you have.
- There will be extra costs if you provide your nanny with extra benefits, eg use of a car, medical insurance, and so on.
- As your nanny's employer, you must pay them through the PAYE system - see www.hmrc.gov.uk/newemployers/index.shtml. If you do not want to operate the PAYE system yourself, you can hire an agency to do it for you - expect to pay about £270 a year for this service.
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| Daily nanny |
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This is the average wage for a nanny based on a survey by Nannytax plus associated taxes that you must pay and the estimated cost of food and fuel your nanny might consume. We assume that you already have space in your home to provide a nanny with her own room. In addition, you might have the following costs:
- You will be your nanny's employer and ought to have employer's liability insurance, but check whether this is already included in any house contents insurance you have.
- There will be extra costs if you provide your nanny with extra benefits, eg use of a car, medical insurance, and so on.
- As your nanny's employer, you must pay them through the PAYE system - see www.hmrc.gov.uk/newemployers/index.shtml. If you do not want to operate the PAYE system yourself, you can hire an agency to do it for you - expect to pay about £270 a year for this service.
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| Au pair |
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- This is the average recommended pocket money you pay an au pair plus the estimated cost of food and fuel that he/she might consume.
- We assume that you already have space in your home to provide an au pair with his/her own room.
- Unlike the other options, you cannot expect an au pair to provide full-time childcare. An au pair should normally provide help in your home for up to five hours a day with at least two full days off a week.
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| Estimated weekly cost of these childcare arrangements |
| Nursery fees |
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| Car travel to nursery |
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| Travel to nursery |
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| Childminder fees |
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| Car travel to childminder |
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| Travel to childminder |
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| Nanny gross salary |
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| Employer's National Insurance MORE >> |
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As your nanny's employer, you must pay employer's National Insurance. << CLOSE
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| Estimated cost of meals and fuel for nanny MORE >> |
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We assume that you already have space in your home to provide a nanny with her own room. << CLOSE
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| Estimated cost of lunches daily for nanny |
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| Cost of payroll agency |
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| Au pair's pocket money |
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| Estimated cost of meals and fuel for au pair MORE >> |
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We assume that you already have space in your home to provide an au pair with her own room. << CLOSE
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| Total cost per week |
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| Estimated weekly cost of alternative childcare arrangements that you previously saved |
| Nursery fees |
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| Car travel to nursery |
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| Travel to nursery |
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| Childminder fees |
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| Car travel to childminder |
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| Travel to childminder |
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| Nanny gross salary |
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| Employer's National Insurance |
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| Estimated cost of meals and fuel for nanny |
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| Estimated cost of lunches daily for nanny |
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| Cost of payroll agency |
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| Au pair's pocket money |
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| Estimated cost of meals and fuel for au pair |
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| Total cost per week |
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Please note that figures are rounded to the nearest pound.