Deposit
Money a nursery asks you to pay to secure a place, often equal to some weeks' or a month's fees
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
A nursery deposit holds a confirmed place for your start date. Many nurseries return it at the end, often by taking it off your final invoice, as long as you give the required notice; some keep it if you withdraw before starting. Terms vary, so read the contract and ask: how much it is, when you pay, whether it is refundable, and whether it changes if your child only uses funded hours. Check whether the deposit for a funded-only place is lower. See our guide to deposits and registration fees.