Nanny Cost in the UK
Plan nanny cost in the UK with hourly pay, employer payroll, tax, holiday, insurance, schedule complexity, and search costs.
What to budget for
Hourly pay floor
Employer payroll and tax
Holiday, sick cover and backup care
Hourly pay floor
From April 2026, GOV.UK lists the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over as GBP 12.71 per hour; experienced nanny rates can be higher.
Employer payroll and tax
If you employ a nanny directly, budget for payroll setup, tax administration, pension considerations, and records.
Holiday, sick cover and backup care
The real budget should include paid time off, sickness cover, emergency backup care, and schedule changes.
Search and screening costs
Add membership, reference checks, background checks where appropriate, interview time, and trial sessions.
Planning example
Calculate hours first
Weekly hours multiplied by hourly rate is only the starting point; employer costs and cover arrangements sit on top.
Premiums vary by role complexity
Live-in, SEN experience, multiple children, travel, driving, and unsocial hours can all change the real rate.