Nurseries and childminders are both regulated forms of childcare in the UK, but they differ in setting, structure, and capacity. Nurseries are group settings with multiple staff members, following a structured curriculum (EYFS in England, Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland). Childminders work from their own homes and can care for up to 6 children at a time, with a maximum of 3 under age 5.
Both must be registered and inspected — by Ofsted in England and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland. Both can offer government-funded hours. The main differences tend to be around flexibility (childminders often offer more flexible hours), group size (nurseries provide larger peer groups), and cost (which varies by region and provider). Our nursery vs childminder guide covers the comparison in detail.
This tool provides guidance estimates only. Eligibility, funding, and costs can vary by location and individual circumstances.
Cost assumptions reference Coram Family and Childcare Survey 2025 data.
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