Childcare costs in East Midlands
Covering Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland, the East Midlands combines diverse urban centres with extensive rural communities, each with distinct childcare provision. Compare 2026/27 LA funded rates across 10 local authorities in East Midlands. Select a rate to calculate your exact monthly fees after government support is applied.
Average Rate
£7.00/hr
Authorities
10
Children Under 5
285,000
Regional Initiatives
- East Midlands Childcare Partnership supporting disadvantaged families
- Rural childcare voucher schemes in Lincolnshire and Rutland
Parent Tips
- Check for county-specific funding supplements in addition to national childcare support
- Many authorities offer transitional funding for families moving between income brackets
Show all 10 local authorities in East Midlands
Frequently asked questions about East Midlands childcare costs
›How does childcare funding in the East Midlands compare to other regions?
Average funded rates of around £7.00/hr for 3-4 year olds sit close to the England median, but individual East Midlands authorities vary by more than £1.00/hr depending on local cost benchmarks set by DfE.
›Are there rural childcare schemes specific to the East Midlands?
Lincolnshire operates rural childcare voucher schemes to support families in remote areas, and several authorities provide travel allowances to reach the nearest funded provider.