Childcare

Childcare.co.uk is an online platform where parents search for and message childcare providers and tutors across the UK. Searches are made by postcode, and the site covers babysitters, childminders, nannies, nurseries, out of school clubs, household help, maternity nurses, private tutors and schools. Parents can read reviews from other families and contact providers through a built-in messaging system without sharing personal details.

Childcare providers and tutors create profiles free of charge and receive enquiries from parents via the website, mobile apps, email and telephone. Parents also use free accounts. Paid silver and gold memberships add premium features, and an Employee Benefits scheme lets organisations give their staff access to the service. Parents pay providers' fees directly, and the site states that it charges no booking or agency fees.

The company was founded in 2006 and launched the service in 2009. It is owned and operated by Childcare Limited, with a registered office in London. The platform is available on the web and through iOS and Android apps, and states over 3 million members, more than 940,000 childcare providers and tutors, and over 70,000 parent reviews. In 2015 it was named the sole winner of a Department for Education SBRI competition for solutions that help parents connect with local childcare providers.

Product: Online directory and messaging platform for finding, reviewing and contacting childcare providers and tutors, with free and paid memberships.