For more on this part of the insurance industry:
This insurance covers people, businesses, and institutions that provide early years care and education for children, mostly while parents are at work. Those who need this coverage include:
In 2023, 72% of children under five in England received some form of childcare. This makes insurance protection essential for most early years providers.
If a toddler were injured by a falling cupboard during playtime at a day nursery, the provider could face a costly public liability insurance for daycare claim.
This kind of incident might force the business to close without this protection. But with cover, the nursery could manage legal costs and compensation.
More providers now offer flexible or part-time care which increases demand for childcare business insurance that fits varied hours.
Wraparound services mean brokers must consider employers liability insurance for childcare providers working extended shifts.
Outdoor learning also boosts the need for safeguarding insurance for childcare providers beyond traditional indoor risks. But brokers must assess hazards as well, including:
Slips, trips, and playground accidents still lead to many insurance claims in early years settings. Staff mental health issues are also rising, especially in busy nurseries.
Brokers should check if daycare liability insurance includes cover for outdoor areas and staff wellbeing support.
Every nursery that employs staff must have employers’ liability insurance. Most nurseries also need public liability insurance.
Other useful parts of daycare and childcare insurance include:
It’s a good idea for nurseries to review their policy regularly and check what’s included.
Some small nurseries pay from £4.74 a month, but most pay between £25 and £60. Premiums rise for nurseries with outdoor areas, specialist care, or high-risk features.
Yes, all registered childminders in the UK must have public liability insurance by law. Many childminders also choose to add other protections as part of their daycare and childcare insurance, depending on how they work.
Common cover types for childminders:
Some policies also include extra support like access to legal advice or safeguarding guidance.
Yes, in most cases, it is illegal to use an unregistered childminder for children under eight. Only close relatives like grandparents or siblings can care for children without registration.
Babysitters in the UK are not legally required to have insurance, but it's strongly recommended. Some babysitters choose daycare and childcare insurance that includes public liability and legal cover.
Yes, babysitters are part of the wider childcare sector, though their work is often informal. They usually care for children in the family’s home and often work without registration.
Because they work closely with children, many insurers offer cover similar to that used in preschool insurance or nanny policies.
A childminder is a registered professional who cares for children in their own home. They follow early years rules and need daycare and childcare insurance by law, specifically public liability.
A babysitter typically provides short-term care in the child’s home and is not registered. They don’t need insurance, but it’s a good idea to get one if they work regularly.
Yes, they need insurance even if the group is small or run by volunteers. Many venues, like halls or churches, ask for proof of cover before letting groups use their space.
Insurance makes it safer and easier for groups to run without unexpected problems, and many are covered under daycare and childcare insurance.
