Childcare costs in Cheshire West and Chester 2026/27

Cheshire West and Chester's 2026/27 funded hourly rate for 3 to 4 year olds is £6.20/hr, £0.80/hr below the North West regional average of £7.00/hr and £0.52/hr below the England national average of £6.72/hr. That ranks Cheshire West and Chester 18th of 24 authorities in North West 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
£6.20/hr
2 year olds
£8.41/hr
Under 2s
£11.40/hr

Across the standard 38 funded weeks, the 30 hours entitlement in Cheshire West and Chester is worth approximately £7068/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 Cheshire West and Chester
Age bandFunded ratevs nationalCalculator
Under 2£11.40/hr−£1.07Calculate
2 to 3 years£8.41/hr−£0.75Calculate
3 to 4 years£6.20/hr−£0.52Calculate

Frequently asked questions about Cheshire West and Chester childcare costs

›What is the 2026/27 funded childcare rate in Cheshire West and Chester?

For 2026/27, Cheshire West and Chester pays providers £6.20/hr for 3 to 4 year olds, £8.41/hr for 2 year olds, and £11.40/hr for under 2s. These are the DfE Early Years National Funding Formula allocations effective April 2026.

›How does Cheshire West and Chester's funded rate compare to the rest of North West?

Cheshire West and Chester's 3-4 year old rate of £6.20/hr is £0.80/hr below the North West regional average of £7.00/hr, ranking 18th highest of the 24 authorities in North West.

›Will the funded rate in Cheshire West and Chester cover my whole nursery bill?

Usually not in full. The funded hourly rate of £6.20 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 West is typically around £7.00/hr.

›How much is the 30 funded hours worth annually in Cheshire West and Chester?

Across the standard 38 funded weeks, the 30 hours entitlement at Cheshire West and Chester's 2026/27 rate of £6.20/hr is worth approximately £7068 per year for a 3 to 4 year old.

Neighbouring authorities (alphabetical)

Other authorities in North West

See all 24 authorities in North West →

Compare Cheshire West and Chester with other authorities

See the North West league table and compare Cheshire West and Chester side by side with any English local authority on the comparison page.