Childcare costs in Darlington 2026/27

Darlington's 2026/27 funded hourly rate for 3 to 4 year olds is £6.01/hr, £0.49/hr below the North East regional average of £6.50/hr and £0.41/hr below the England national average of £6.42/hr. That ranks Darlington 4th of 12 authorities in North East for funded rate. Use the calculator below to work out exactly what you'll pay each month after the funded hours are applied.

3-4 year olds
£6.01/hr
2 year olds
£8.44/hr
Under 2s
£11.46/hr

3 to 4-year-old rates are the before-termly-adjustment figure (the provider-facing rate per DfE operational guidance). See how Darlington compares on the funding map.

Sourced from the DfE 2026/27 Early Years National Funding Formula, published 1 April 2026. Confirm with Darlington council if it has since announced a local top-up.

Across the standard 38 funded weeks, the 30 hours entitlement in Darlington is worth approximately £6851/year for a 3 to 4 year old, before any private top-ups for additional hours, consumables, or meals.

Funded hourly rates and calculator links for Darlington
Age bandFunded ratevs nationalCalculator
Under 2£11.46/hr−£1.01Calculate
2 to 3 years£8.44/hr−£0.72Calculate
3 to 4 years£6.01/hr−£0.41Calculate

Frequently asked questions about Darlington childcare costs

›What is the 2026/27 funded childcare rate in Darlington?

For 2026/27, Darlington pays providers £6.01/hr for 3 to 4 year olds, £8.44/hr for 2 year olds, and £11.46/hr for under 2s. These are the DfE Early Years National Funding Formula allocations effective April 2026.

›How does Darlington's funded rate compare to the rest of North East?

Darlington's 3-4 year old rate of £6.01/hr is £0.49/hr below the North East regional average of £6.50/hr, ranking 4th highest of the 12 authorities in North East.

›Will the funded rate in Darlington cover my whole nursery bill?

Usually not in full. The funded hourly rate of £6.01 pays the provider for funded hours only, so any hours above your entitlement, plus consumables and meals, are charged at the nursery's private rate, which in North East is typically around £6.50/hr.

›How much is the 30 funded hours worth annually in Darlington?

Across the standard 38 funded weeks, the 30 hours entitlement at Darlington's 2026/27 rate of £6.01/hr is worth approximately £6851 per year for a 3 to 4 year old.

Neighbouring authorities (alphabetical)

Other authorities in North East

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Compare Darlington with other authorities

See the North East league table and compare Darlington side by side with any English local authority on the comparison page.