The United Kingdom boasts a quality and reliable childcare system managed by national regulations. You can, therefore, choose from a range of childcare services, including nurseries, schools, childminders, and nannies. The UK's childcare system is divided into public and private institutions. The choice often depends on your child's age, needs, and budget. There are strict laws and regulations for all childcare establishments, including the private homes of childminders. These regulations ensure that children are safe and benefit from the same level of education and care as children throughout the country. Over the next couple of years, The Department for Education is looking to double the childcare investment amount to around £8 billion per annum.
Childcare at home
You can employ a nanny at home, becoming an employer, if certain conditions are met. The nanny must not be self-employed, meaning that they are paid through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and work under an employment contract. In addition, as an employer, you must ensure that the nanny does not work more than 48 hours per week and is paid at least the national minimum wage. Legally employed nannies are entitled to maternity and sick pay, paid holiday, redundancy pay, and pension. However, it's your responsibility as an employer to ensure that the nanny you want to employ has the right to work in the UK and to register yourself as an employer with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when you hire the person.
Au pairs are not considered employees, thereby not entitled to the national minimum wage and paid holidays. Au pairs are treated as family members; instead of a salary, they get pocket money (at least £90 a week). However, to have an au pair at home, you must ensure their visa requirements allow them to work in the UK (e.g., the Youth Mobility Scheme visa). The living conditions for an au pair must be comfortable, including a private room and meals at no cost.
Important:
As an employer, you need to obtain the Employers' Liability (EL) insurance that covers you for at least £5 million if you must pay compensation to an employee of yours who is injured or becomes ill during work. Be careful; you can be fined £2500 per day if you are not insured.
Useful links:
Find a registered childminder in your area
Childcare at a nursery school
The numerous childcare centres and nurseries offer various services accessible to different budgets. If you have a tight budget, look at childcare services available in primary schools. You can also find volunteer and independent childcare services across the country. Nursery or pre-primary school is not compulsory in the United Kingdom. Children usually start attending school after their fourth birthday. You can enrol your child in a public or private school depending on your budget, the proximity of your home, and your child's needs. Both public and private childcare centres offer a curriculum that prepares your child for the future and improves their hard and soft skills growth at an early age. In the United Kingdom, nursery school is referred to as the FS1, which is the first foundation year before entering pre-primary and primary schools. At this point, children are taught basic emotional and social skills. They are also introduced to writing, reading, mathematics, music, and arts in general.
The British educational authorities regularly inspect nurseries and childcare centres to ensure children learn in a safe and healthy environment. They also ensure that national and regional regulations are respected and strictly followed by qualified and trained staff. The UK also has several national protocols that are put in place to ensure the thorough documentation of your child's development and progress. Such protocols include flagging difficulties experienced by your child and taking appropriate actions.
Good to know:
You need to first research the available childcare centres in your area before registering your child. You may contact them via mail or phone and request a guided tour. Once you have chosen the ideal option for your child, you will need to produce your ID card, resident permit, your child's birth certificate and health card, and proof of residence.
Important:
If your child has difficulties learning, take the time to research the ideal type of establishment according to their needs. Many childcare facilities and nurseries deal with children with learning difficulties and employ qualified professionals.
Useful links:
Apply for a place in a nursery school for children under 5
Find out free early education and childcare in your area
Regional care in the United Kingdom
Children aged three to four are enrolled at Welsh nurseries part-time, while children aged four to five are registered full-time. Playschool or playgroups in Northern Ireland also cater for three-year-old children. Playgroups consist of about 20 children and operate under the guidance of a qualified teacher and their assistant. They all follow a tailored curriculum under national regulations. They are also inspected regularly by the national childcare services.
In Scotland, government-funded part-time early education is available for all children aged three to four years. The local authorities are in charge of the overall commissioning of these locations and work in partnership with other local childcare centres.
Childcare for children under three
If your child is less than three years old, you can:
- Hire a qualified nanny (day or live-in nanny);
- Hire a professional childminder to look after the child in their home;
- Find a childcare centre that accepts children below the age of three.
Before enrolling your child, inquire about the carer's qualifications and recognition to guarantee your child's safety and development. Regarding nannies, make sure to choose an Ofsted-qualified nanny, and for childcare centres, the best type is a Sure Start government-approved establishment.
Good to know:
You may be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare at an approved childcare provider if your child is between three and four years old, are working, and your immigration status allows you to claim benefits. Remember that you might have to pay extra for meals, trips, and nappies.
Useful link:
Find a Sure Start Children's centre
Important:
As of April 2024, working parents with two-year-olds can access 15 hours of free childcare. Additional changes in September 2025 will also apply to working parents with children aged nine months and upwards; they will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week.
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