Registration fee
A one-off charge some nurseries make to put your child on their waiting list or to process an application
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
Registration fees are usually non-refundable, even if a place never becomes available, so ask before paying. They range from nothing to a significant sum, and are separate from the deposit that some nurseries take when they offer you a place. A nursery should tell you in writing what the fee covers and whether it guarantees anything, such as a place on a particular date. If you register with several nurseries to be safe, these fees add up, so include them when you compare costs. See deposits and registration fees.