Coram Family and Childcare’s latest survey suggests a marked fall in nursery costs in England—but the reality is more complicated than the headline figures imply. Average fees for children under three have fallen sharply following the expansion of government-funded childcare. For many working families, this represents a significant reduction after years of rising costs.

However, the benefits are not evenly shared. Families who do not qualify for funded hours—often those on lower incomes or not in work—can pay over £100 more per week for the same care. Coram warns this is creating a two-tier system, where access to affordable early education depends heavily on eligibility rather than need.

Elsewhere in Great Britain, costs are still climbing. In Scotland and Wales, nursery fees for younger children continue to rise, while prices for three- and four-year-olds have also increased modestly across the board. Even in England, falling costs do not guarantee access. Many areas report shortages, particularly for children with special educational needs or those requiring flexible hours.

After years of above-inflation increases, the system is shifting—but remains uneven, complex and, for many families, still out of reach.