England boasts a quality and reliable childcare system managed by national regulations. So if you're relocating with children in tow, you can choose from a range of childcare services, including nurseries, schools, childminders and nannies.ÌýÌý
The childcare system in England
England's childcare system is divided into public and private institutions. The choice often depends on your child's age, their needs and your 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 across the country.
Over the last couple of years, the Department for Education has doubled the childcare investment amount to around £8 billion per annum, with financial support now available for eligible working parents from as soon as their baby turns nine months old.
Childcare at home in England
You can employ a nanny at home (becoming their 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 England 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 England (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.
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Nurseries in England
There are numerous childcare centres and nurseries across the country that offer various services accessible to different budgets, including:
- Private day nurseries;
- School-based nurseries;
- Preschools and playgroups;
- Childminders providing home-based care.
Private day nurseries provide day care for children aged from a few weeks old to those about to start primary school. These are commercial establishments that operate throughout the year, typically offering full-day care from Monday to Friday. These are usually privately run and provide care for children aged six weeks to five years old.
If you have a tight budget, look at childcare services available in primary schools, i.e.,, school-based nurseries. These operate out of existing primary schools, with some offering children aged three to four years old and others catering for younger children. You can also find volunteer and independent childcare services across the country.
Nursery or preschool education is not compulsory in England (it's compulsory once your child reaches five years old). Still, 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 England, nursery schools follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), 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 the arts in general to help give every child the best possible start.
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.
England 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.
How to register your child
You need to first research the available childcare centres in your area before registering your child. You may contact them via email 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 a 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 special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and employ qualified professionals.
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Funded hours for eligible working parents in England
In England, provides financial support to ease pressure on working families.
All children are entitled to 15 hours per week of funded nursery education from the term they turn three years old (regardless of whether their parents work), and from September 2025, eligible working parents can access 30 hours per week of funded nursery education for babies from nine months old up to when their child starts school from four years old onwards.
It's worth mentioning, however, that government funding only covers 38 weeks of the year (as in, term time only). This is why private nurseries remain a popular choice for eligible working parents who need year-round care, extended hours, or care for younger children.
The good news for expats is that the universal 15-hour entitlement for three- to four-year-olds can be accessed by a child, regardless of their immigration status. Here's a summary of what expats can access:
Universal entitlement (all expats)
15 hours per week for all three to four-year-olds.
Available regardless of parents' visa or immigration status.
No ‘no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) restrictions apply.
Working parent schemes (visa-dependent)
For the expanded childcare offer (30 hours for eligible working parents) from September 2025, eligibility depends on your visa conditions.
You may be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare at an approved childcare provider if your child is aged nine months and above, you are working and your immigration status allows you to claim benefits.
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