Working parents across the UK continue to grapple with the soaring cost of childcare, despite the rollout of new government-funded entitlements in England aimed at easing financial pressures.
A recent discussion on parenting forum Mumsnet reignited the debate, with one poster revealing their entire £45,000 salary was effectively wiped out by childcare costs for two children — showing how childcare remains a make-or-break issue for many families.
The thread reflects wider concerns about the sustainability of work for parents with young children, with participants sharing how they are caught in a painful balancing act between career ambitions, financial stability and family wellbeing.
A Persistent Cost-Benefit Dilemma
Despite earning what is considered a solid salary, some parents say they are left with virtually nothing at the end of the month once childcare fees are deducted. Several Mumsnet users reported paying £2,000 or more each month, often amounting to an entire second salary, particularly in urban areas such as London. This financial squeeze is pushing some parents to consider reducing hours or quitting work entirely.
One user described how they felt “trapped in a cycle” where working made no financial sense but stepping back from employment risked long-term career progression and pension contributions. Others echoed similar concerns, stating that the daily juggle of nursery drop-offs, sick days and inflexible work hours was having a detrimental impact on their mental health.
Emotional and Mental Strain
While cost is a major concern, the emotional toll is equally significant. Many parents expressed frustration and burnout, questioning whether the stress of working full-time was worth it when much of their income disappeared on childcare. Some admitted they were seriously contemplating taking time off, prioritising time with their children during the formative early years over financial gain.
For some, that decision brought unexpected rewards. One parent shared how stepping away from the workplace allowed them to enjoy a calmer, more fulfilling family life, even though money was tighter.
Coram Family and Childcare, a UK charity focused on improving support for families and children’s services, has been at the forefront of research into childcare accessibility and affordability. Their recently published 24th Annual Childcare Survey offers a mixed picture: while new entitlements are reducing costs for some working families in England, significant gaps remain — especially for those not eligible, and for children with additional needs.
Coram chief Lydia Hodges told Workplace Wellbeing Professional that the new government-funded childcare hours were “a very welcome step” toward affordability. But she warned that the system was still imbalanced. “Parents who are not eligible for the entitlements are unlikely to be able to meet the cost involved in giving their children the same amount of early education that other children get for free,” she said.
She added that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) still face barriers accessing places, and that many families risk missing out on the developmental benefits that quality early education brings.
“Many [parents] highlighted the positive impact that it has had on their child’s independence, development and happiness. These are things we want for all children,” she added, calling on the government to take urgent and long-term action to close the gaps.
Costs Falling — but Not for Everyone
According to the 2025 Coram Childcare Survey, a part-time nursery place for a child under two in England now costs an average of £70.51 per week — a 56% drop on the previous year. Full-time care has also fallen, averaging £238.95 per week, down 22%. These figures mark the first measurable drop since new entitlements began rolling out in April 2024.
But the reductions only apply in England. In Scotland and Wales, where the entitlements have not been extended, part-time nursery fees have increased by 7% and 10% respectively.
And not all families in England are benefiting. Households not meeting criteria for the new entitlements — such as those not in work or on low incomes — are paying an average of £105 more per week than eligible families. This raises concerns that disadvantaged children may be priced out of essential early education opportunities.
Coram also reported persistent shortfalls in availability. Only 29% of local authorities say they have enough childcare for at least 75% of children with SEND. Just 22% have sufficient childcare for parents working atypical hours.
What Employers and Policymakers Can Do
The Mumsnet conversation also touched on practical steps to ease the strain. Flexible work arrangements — such as part-time hours, job sharing or remote work — were frequently suggested by parents as ways to manage stress and childcare logistics. Employers that embrace such policies can not only improve employee wellbeing but also retain skilled workers who might otherwise feel forced to leave.
But experts say government support remains essential. More inclusive childcare funding, targeted subsidies for low-income families and better SEND provision could help ensure all children have access to the early years education they deserve — regardless of postcode or parental income.
A Deeply Personal Choice
Ultimately, the decision to continue working full-time, reduce hours or step back entirely is a highly personal one. For some, the career and financial rewards outweigh the cost; for others, time at home offers greater emotional return. But without meaningful, long-term solutions, many families will continue to face impossible choices.
“We call on the Government to commit to immediate and longer-term actions so that no child misses out on this vital boost to their outcomes,” said Hodges.