Use this calculator to understand the cost behind your childcare places
A nursery can look busy on paper but still struggle if the hourly cost of delivery is higher than the income coming in. This calculator helps you estimate your delivery cost by age group and understand where funding, fees or overheads may be creating pressure.
You can return to this whenever your rent, staffing costs, opening hours, occupancy or age mix changes.
Three steps from setup to decision-making
Complete the lessons in order the first time. After that, you can come straight back to the calculator whenever you need to check your numbers.
How to Use the Premium Nursery Cost of Delivery Calculator
Understand what information to prepare, what each input means and how the calculator works before entering your figures.
Open the Premium Nursery Cost of Delivery Calculator
Enter your costs, opening pattern, child numbers and funding assumptions to create your cost of delivery estimate.
Understanding Your Results, Funding Gaps and Fee Decisions
Learn how to read the outputs, spot possible shortfalls and use the figures carefully when reviewing funding, fees and top-up planning.
Gather the best figures you currently have
Estimates are fine at the planning stage. You can update the calculator later as your costs, fees or funding information becomes clearer.
Return whenever your numbers change
✓ More detailed cost categories
✓ Age-group cost per hour results
✓ Funding-rate comparison
✓ Top-up and shortfall thinking
✓ Downloadable version included
✓ Revisit all three lessons
This supports planning, not final pricing advice
The calculator gives estimates based on the information you enter. It does not replace your local authority provider agreement, legal advice, accounting advice or your nursery’s own fee policy. Use the results to understand your numbers and make more informed decisions.
Do not just look at the final number
The real value is in understanding what is driving the cost and where your nursery model may need adjusting.
Which age group costs most?
Under 2s usually need more staff, so the calculator helps you see the effect this has on your delivery cost.
Are funded rates enough?
Compare the hourly cost of delivery against your local authority funding rate to identify potential pressure.
What happens if costs rise?
Use the calculator again if wages, rent, utilities or occupancy change.
Is the model profitable?
The results can help you test whether your nursery has enough margin to be sustainable.
Start with Lesson 1 below
Work through the short guide first, then open the premium calculator and create your first cost of delivery estimate.