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Flexible Childcare in the UK

  • Writer: Yuna Kanai
    Yuna Kanai
  • Aug 2, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Our family relocated from Japan to the south of England with our newborn. In those early days, we hadn’t yet secured a nursery spot, and I spent my days alone with our baby. Nursery fees in the UK can be surprisingly high compared to average household income (based on my own research), and competition for placement is intense. Hiring a nanny tends to cost (£15-25/hour - reference 7) even more due to the tailored, in-home care they provide . On the other hand, au pairs - who receive room and board - can offer support at a more affordable rate, making them a realistic option for some families.


For more details about nurseries, please refer to this article: UK Nursery Costs & Tips


That’s why it’s so important to know about spaces where parents and children can spend time together outside of professional childcare. One place I discovered was a playgroup—a welcoming community hub. These events are regularly held at churches or local halls, with a modest entry fee of around £3–£5 (cash donation) and usually include coffee and snacks. They provide a relaxed setting where parents and young children can play freely and connect with others. I joined the local Japanese association and was fortunate to find a group of fellow Japanese families raising children nearby. The emotional support of having someone to exchange information and casually share concerns was incredibly reassuring.


Also, London, the largest city in the UK, is one of the world’s major urban centers—yet it’s also known as one of the greenest cities on the planet (1). Across the UK as a whole, nature is deeply woven into urban life, making it fair to call the country a “green nation (2)”. From my current home, there are several parks within walking distance where I can easily take my children to play. This kind of environment - where nature is part of everyday life even in the city - might be one of the unique charms of living in the UK.


Eventually, I found cozy cafés filled with toys where both parents and children could unwind. These became great spots to visit on walks and really helped fill the gap before nursery began.

For kid-friendly cafés and restaurants in Southern England, please refer to Family-Friendly Cafés in Southern England/ロンドン近郊 子連れOKカフェ


Here’s what our daily rhythm looked like during that time:

  • Morning: Attending different playgroups depending on the day of the week

  • On the way home: Picking up groceries for dinner

  • Lunchtime: A quick meal at home while baby napped, or a trip to a nearby kid-friendly café

  • Evening: Preparing dinner

  • Weekends: Exploring local events through community platforms (3)—sometimes via free local papers and Eventbrite (4), then enjoying outings together as a family.


In the UK, many dual-income families also get creative with childcare arrangements outside of nurseries. For example:

  • Taking turns with childcare by working on alternate weekdays

  • Getting support from grandparents

  • Combining flexible work schedules and remote working


2024 Childcare and early years survey of parents

Relevant statistics come from a nationwide survey conducted by the UK government in 2024:

  • During a typical term-time week in 2024, 74% of children aged 0 to 4 received some form of childcare. This includes both formal childcare (such as nurseries and childminders) and informal childcare (such as care provided by grandparents, friends, or relatives).

  • Formal childcare was used by approximately 64% of children aged 0 to 4.

  • The newly introduced “15-hour childcare offer for working parents of 2-year-olds” was used by around 75% of eligible families.


Reference


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