Cost of nursery in SW London

[polly30]

We're planning when we might be able to start having children and are also looking at when we might buy a flat, and the cost of nursery is a huge factor in deciding what and when we can afford, but I can't seem to find a ballpark anywhere. How much does a nursery cost in SW London - say Clapham to Earlsfield - for 4 or 5 days a week?

This is my first post, and I don't get on the internet much, so please excuse if I am slow to reply or get this wrong!

I believe that all the primary schools in SW London (in Merton) offer free nursery places. This was certainly the case when my DC were little.

Have a look at Pelham and Wimbledon Chase.

Here's a link to Pelham

Both my DC went to Pelham and Wimbledon Chase (although as primary schools) and they were really good, especially Pelham.

Oh sorry, I meant nursery for a 1 year old which I understand you have to pay? I am thinking about how much I would have to pay if I went back to work after a year's maternity cover.

Don't let the cost of nurseries/childminders put you off having children otherwise nobody would be having them!

Think about that afterwards! Seriously!

Things change so quickly - I've heard Clapham/Earlsfied way is very expensive childcare wise but who can say what you will be doing in a couple of years time?

For now you could enquire around the local nurseries/childminders to get an idea of how much you would expect/want to pay. I think at the moment £50-£60 day is average with prices going beyond this.

I'd say about £1100-1200 a month for full-time 5 days a week. This is what we paid a couple of years ago.

It's a lot.

In Balham we pay £700 p/m for 2.5 days a week for my 1yo, and £400 for my 3yo (once you take into account the nursery vouchers from the LEA for £180 p/m).

Costs do fall once they are 2yo as the child : staff ratio increases from 1:3 to 1:4. Also costs fall slightly (per day) the more days they attend.

There are cheaper nurseries, but IME you get what you pay for - and I wouldn't have been happy sending my LOs to our most local nursery where the fees are only £20 per half day, but the environment and stimulation is no-where near as good as the nursery they do attend.

Good luck with the decisions, but don't let ££ rule your future. I'd also question whether you would want to return to work 5 days p/w after having a child. It's a case of balancing career/salary with the risk of postponing having children. Never easy.

Thanks for all your help. it's more about knowing what mortgage we could afford - don't want to buy a flat, then have a baby and have to move because the mortgage is based on my salary not salary + childcare!! really useful to get some numbers. Thank you.