Childcare costs in South East
Spanning Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey, the South East is England's largest region by population and has some of the highest non-London childcare costs. Compare 2026/27 LA funded rates across 19 local authorities in South East. Select a rate to calculate your exact monthly fees after government support is applied.
Average Rate
£8.50/hr
Authorities
19
Children Under 5
620,000
Regional Initiatives
- Surrey and Hampshire early years sufficiency reviews to expand funded places
- Isle of Wight childcare sustainability scheme for island providers
Parent Tips
- University towns like Oxford, Reading, and Brighton often have university-linked nurseries with priority for staff and students
- Kent and Sussex coastal authorities offer specialised support for agricultural and tourism families
Show all 19 local authorities in South East
Frequently asked questions about South East childcare costs
›Why are South East childcare costs almost as high as London?
Commuter authorities like Surrey, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire face property and staff costs close to Outer London, which feeds into both private nursery prices and the DfE funded rate.
›Are 30 funded hours easier to find in the South East?
Availability varies sharply by authority. Sufficiency is generally good in major towns but tighter in rural Hampshire, Oxfordshire villages, and the Isle of Wight, so book early.