THE cost of childcare in Oxfordshire has been revealed for the first time by the Department for Education.

On average, for three and four-year-olds, childcare costs £ 5.25 an hour.

For two-year-olds it was the same price.

Across the South East the most expensive childcare for three and four-year-olds was in Windsor and Maidenhead, where the average cost was £6.50.

Every three and four-year-old gets 15 hours of free childcare a week, and 30 hours for those with parents who both earn the equivalent of 16 hours at the minimum wage.

Two-year-olds with parents who receive welfare benefits also receive 15 hours free childcare a week.

Across England the average cost for three and four-year-olds was £4.92. The most expensive place was Westminster, costing £8.50 an hour, and the cheapest was North Tyneside, costing £3.50 an hour.

The pre-school Learning Alliance has called on the Government to put more funding into childcare, as the financial pressure on providers could increase.

Children and Families Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “We want every child to have the best start in life, with access to high-quality childcare and early years education.

“Ofsted data shows 94 per cent of childcare providers are rated good or outstanding.

“Childcare and early years settings across the country are successfully delivering our 30 hours offer which is bringing significant benefits to families.”

The minister explained that more than 340,000 children had received a 30 hours place, since the scheme started last September.