- by Admin
Understanding Nursery Fees in Wimbledon – What Families Actually Pay in 2026
For most families in Wimbledon, nursery is one of the largest monthly costs they will face — often comparable to rent, particularly when children are under two. Getting a clear picture of what you will actually pay, before you commit to a place, is essential.
This guide covers realistic fee ranges across the SW19 and Merton area, how government funding works, what it does and does not cover, and what to ask before signing any nursery contract.
Typical Nursery Fees in Wimbledon (2026)
Private day nursery fees in the Wimbledon and Merton area vary by the child’s age, primarily because younger children require higher staff-to-child ratios under the EYFS framework, and staffing is the biggest cost driver in any nursery.
| Child’s Age | Typical Daily Fee (Full Day) |
|---|---|
| Babies — 6 to 12 months | £88 – £110 per day |
| Toddlers — 1 to 2 years | £82 – £102 per day |
| 2 to 3 years | £76 – £96 per day |
| Preschool — 3 to 5 years (no funding) | £70 – £90 per day |
| Preschool — 3 to 5 years (with 30hrs funding) | £10 – £40 top-up only |
These are indicative ranges for the SW19 and Merton area. Always request a written fee schedule from any setting you are seriously considering, and check what the daily fee actually includes.
Government-Funded Hours — What Is Available in Merton Right Now
The funded childcare entitlement has expanded significantly since 2024. Here is where things stand for Wimbledon and Merton families in 2026:
- 9 months to 2 years (working families): 30 funded hours per week — available since September 2025
- 2-year-olds (working families): 30 funded hours per week — available since September 2024
- 3 and 4-year-olds (all families): 15 funded hours per week — long-established universal entitlement
- 3 and 4-year-olds (working families): 30 funded hours per week — long-established
One thing many parents miss: funded hours do not start on your child’s birthday. England has three annual intake points — September, January, and April — and your child’s funding begins at the intake following their birthday. A child born in October becomes eligible in January, not immediately. It is worth checking this directly before planning around a return-to-work date.
To see how funded hours apply to your child at Wimbledon Day Nursery, visit our fees and funding page.
What Funded Hours Do and Do Not Cover
This is where many parents are caught off guard. Funded hours cover the early education itself — they do not automatically cover everything else.
Funded hours typically cover:
- Core early years education during funded session times
- EYFS curriculum activities and access to the nursery environment
What is often charged separately:
- Meals and snacks — typically £5 to £12 per day
- Nappies and consumables (varies by setting)
- Hours outside the funded session window
- Holiday care — funded hours are term-time only
Some nurseries also apply a top-up charge alongside funded hours to cover the gap between the government’s funding rate and actual operating costs. This is legal when disclosed clearly and agreed in writing. Always ask: “Are there any additional charges during funded sessions?”
Tax-Free Childcare — Worth Checking Before You Pay Full Price
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that gives eligible families up to £2,000 per child per year toward registered childcare costs. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2.
To qualify, both parents must be working and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage per week, with neither earning over £100,000 per year. Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside funded hours — just not for sessions already covered by the funded entitlement. Applications are at childcare.tax.service.gov.uk.
Fees Checklist — Questions to Ask Every Nursery
Before committing to any setting in Wimbledon, ask these directly:
- What does the daily fee include — meals, nappies, consumables?
- Do you accept 15-hour and 30-hour funded entitlements?
- Are there any top-up charges during funded sessions?
- Are fees charged during my child’s absence due to illness?
- What notice period is required to change or cancel sessions?
- Do you accept Tax-Free Childcare payments?
- Is there a sibling discount?
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Ready to Talk Through Fees?
At Wimbledon Day Nursery, we provide a full written fee schedule with no hidden extras from the point of first enquiry. If you would like to understand exactly what your child’s place would cost — including how funded hours apply — contact our admissions team and we will send everything across to you.
FAQ
Is 30 hours free childcare actually free?
The 30-hour entitlement covers funded early education sessions during term time. Most nurseries charge additionally for meals, consumables, or a top-up to cover operating costs. It is significantly subsidised — but not always entirely free.
Can I use Tax-Free Childcare and funded hours together?
Yes. Tax-Free Childcare can cover hours beyond your funded entitlement, meals, and wraparound sessions, but cannot pay for costs already covered by the funded hours allocation.
Why do baby fees cost more than preschool fees?
The EYFS requires one staff member for every three babies under two. That higher staffing ratio increases operating costs, and fees reflect that.