So maternity leave is over, and it’s time to go back to work – or perhaps you feel like your child seems ready for more structured learning in preparation for them starting school. Where do you begin? And how do you know what the right choice for your family is?

For parents, finding the right childcare setting can feel like a full-time job in itself. You want a place that’s safe, nurturing, and affordable; somewhere your little one can thrive while you get the time and space you need. The good news is that the UK government has expanded support for early years education and childcare, making it easier for families to access high-quality childcare and giving parents more flexibility to work, study, and get a better work-life balance.

Remember, childcare isn’t just about helping you juggle work and family life. High-quality childcare helps children build confidence, develop early social and communication skills and enjoy safe spaces to learn, play and interact with others. 

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No matter whether this is your first child or your fifth, considering childcare options can be daunting. To support you through this journey, Amaliah has partnered with Best Start in Life to bring you essential information to help you feel more informed and better equipped for this next stage of your and your child’s life.

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This guide walks you through the basics of childcare in England – from childminders, nurseries and pre-schools to breakfast clubs and after-school care. Whatever it is you’re considering for your little one, here’s what you need to know.

What early years education can do for your child

Childcare is so much more than nappies and play time. The early years’ education they receive is about giving your child a strong foundation for their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Spending time in a high-quality nursery or with a childminder helps children:

• Develop language and communication skills
• Build confidence and independence
• Learn how to interact and play with others
• Prepare for primary school

Qualified early years professionals are committed to providing high-quality care and education for children, and it makes a difference.      

Data shows that at age five, children who had received early education in childcare had better cognitive skills, including language, early number concepts and pre-reading, compared with children who did not.                                                                                                                                                                              

If you’ve ever seen inside a nursery, it might look like toddlers are just finger painting, digging in the sandpit and singing nursery rhymes, but actually, early years settings follow a structured curriculum designed to prepare children for primary school.

Three and four-year-olds will be introduced to basic maths and English, alongside practical skills such as recognising the spelling of their name, holding a pencil correctly, using the toilet and serving themselves at mealtimes – all of which help them develop independence and foster a love of learning.

These sorts of skills, alongside what you teach them at home, give children a great start for their future and help prepare them for school and going on to thrive.

Does my child really need to go to nursery at all?

Some parents, especially those living in intergenerational homes or with relatives nearby, often rely on grandparents or other family members for childcare. There are benefits to this: your child is cared for by someone they love and trust, and it’s usually completely free, which can be a huge help in today’s economic climate.

It’s useful to bear in mind, though, that early years education offers something more than a babysitting service. Qualified childcare professionals know how to create a stimulating environment that supports your child’s learning, development, and social skills. And if your preference is for a home environment, childminders provide a nurturing learning space for children. For eligible families, accessing funded childcare can mean that these options are more affordable.

Sending your child to a formal early years setting doesn’t replace quality time with family – it simply gives them the chance to thrive in a space designed to help them flourish. Plus, there’s still plenty of time for special moments with grandparents, aunts and uncles at the weekend.

How the government is supporting parents

Not only is early years education beneficial for you and your child, but the government is expanding childcare in England to make it more affordable, accessible, and flexible for families. 

There is a range of support available depending on your family circumstances: 

• 30 hours of childcare for 38 weeks of the year for working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years. Eligible working families can apply for 30 hours of childcare to use from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age 
• 15 hours of childcare for all 3-4 year olds for 38 weeks of the year – all 3 and 4-year-olds who live in England are entitled to this offer irrespective of income levels, benefit status, or family circumstances
• Early learning for 2-year-olds (term-time only) – 15 hours of early learning each week for families in England who get extra support, like those on Universal Credit or children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan.
• Tax-Free Childcare for eligible working parents. Get a £2 top-up from the government for every £8 towards the cost of childcare
• Universal Credit Childcare for working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17. Claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs
• Expansion of free breakfast clubs in primary state schools – currently 750 schools offer this, with an additional 2,000 joining throughout 2026 and 2027
• Expansion of affordable wraparound care (childcare before and after the school day for primary-aged students)
• Rolling out 3000 new and expanded school-based nurseries, focused on areas with high demand

What this means for you

1. An increase in childcare places

If you live in an area with limited childcare options, the government is working hard to roll out more school-based nurseries to meet local demand, especially in disadvantaged areas.

2. Flexibility for your schedule

With more wraparound childcare and term-time options, you can find care that fits around your working hours or other commitments.

3. Help with the cost of childcare

Balancing work, family, and childcare can be tough – especially on a budget. The expanded funded hours can help make childcare less of a financial burden while still ensuring your child is in a safe, nurturing environment.

The Best Start in Life website brings together trusted information, advice and support​ to support parents on their journey through the early years, from pregnancy to childcare, through early health and development, and on to starting school​. If you’re a parent thinking about childcare, you can check your eligibility using the childcare support checker and find further information about all the early years options and how to apply.