Childcare costs in South West
From Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, the South West combines rural and coastal communities with growing technology and creative sectors in cities like Bristol and Exeter. Compare 2026/27 LA funded rates across 14 local authorities in South West. Select a rate to calculate your exact monthly fees after government support is applied.
Average Rate
£7.50/hr
Authorities
14
Children Under 5
380,000
Regional Initiatives
- Cornwall creative industries childcare support scheme
- Devon and Somerset rural childcare accessibility initiative
Parent Tips
- Tourism-heavy authorities in Cornwall and Devon often have flexible seasonal childcare patterns
- Bristol and Bath have strong childminder networks that can be cheaper than nurseries
Show all 14 local authorities in South West
Frequently asked questions about South West childcare costs
›Is funded childcare harder to access in rural South West areas?
Yes, rural Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset have fewer providers per square mile, so families often face longer travel or smaller settings. Local family hubs can help find available funded places.
›Do South West authorities support seasonal workers with childcare?
Several Cornwall and Devon authorities work with tourism employers on flexible childcare, but the funded entitlement itself is term-time hours unless you opt to stretch them across the year.