Nursery and childcare in the UK

The day nursery usually opens from eight in the morning to six in the evening all year, and admits children from the first months up to five years, and charges daily or hourly fees (about 60 to 100 pounds a day depending on the area).

• A registered childminder cares for a small number of children in her home at lower prices and more flexibility.
• A nanny in the home is more expensive but comes to your home.
• Playgroups and pre-schools work limited hours and suit ages 2 to 4.
• Children's centres and family hubs offer activities, friends and support free or at a token cost.
• Breakfast and after-school clubs for older children.
• To choose: visit more than one place, and check the Ofsted report, prices, working hours, the number of children per staff member, the feeling of safety and friendliness, and the food policy (halal) and language.

In England 15 free hours a week are offered for two-year-olds from low-income families (UC and certain benefits), 15 hours for every three- and four-year-old child, and 30 hours for working families (earning a minimum and under 100 thousand pounds) for children from nine months to four years (in stages until 2025).

• They are provided within 38 weeks a year (term time) or 52 with fewer hours a week.
• You apply via GOV.UK with a Childcare Choices account and get an eligibility code that you give to the provider, and renew every three months.
• And not all nurseries accept the free hours, so ask.
• And charges may be imposed for meals and extras.
• The rules of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ.
• And getting the hours may require both parents to work and that you have the right to public funds, so check your immigration status.

With Tax-Free Childcare you open a government account and put money in it, and the government adds 20 percent (up to 2000 pounds a year per child) to pay registered childcare fees, provided both parents work and each earns under 100 thousand pounds.

• And if you are on Universal Credit you qualify for the childcare element that repays up to 85 percent of costs (up to about 1000 pounds for one child monthly), and it cannot be combined with Tax-Free Childcare.
• And Child Benefit is a weekly payment per child (about 26 pounds for the first and 17 for others) for families without a hard income limit (a part is recovered at high income).
• Apply via GOV.UK after birth.
• And check your eligibility according to your immigration status (NRPF may bar it). And some councils also offer support for families (Section 17) when needed.

The employee has the right to Statutory Maternity Leave of 52 weeks, of which 39 are paid: 90 percent of weekly pay for the first six weeks, then about 187 pounds or 90 percent (the lower) a week for the rest of the period.

• And the father or partner has Paternity Leave of one or two weeks at about 187 pounds.
• And there is Shared Parental Leave which the family shares, and unpaid Parental Leave up to 18 weeks per child.
• You tell the employer of the pregnancy by the fifteenth week before the expected birth.
• The law bans discrimination because of pregnancy and maternity.
• And for the self-employed there is Maternity Allowance.
• And for residents with special immigration statuses some benefits may not be due.
• And speak to HR early and enquire about the company policy that may give more than the legal minimum.
• And plan your return with a phased return or flexible hours.

After birth a midwife visits you then a free health visitor who follows the child's growth and the mother's health and gives advice on breastfeeding, sleep and nutrition, and there is a Red Book in which your child's health and vaccinations are recorded.

• Register your child with a GP immediately after birth.
• Vaccinations are given free on a schedule from age eight weeks (6-in-1, MMR, PCV, MenB and Rotavirus) and continue in school.
• And Healthy Start is available, a card that grants amounts to buy milk, fruit and vegetables for pregnant mothers and low-income families.
• And children's centres and mothers' groups offer social support.
• For emergencies call 999, and for advice 111.
• And if you feel sadness or anxiety after birth speak to a GP or the health visitor since there is support for postnatal depression.

What is a childminder?