Whether it's a last minute panic, or an anticipated gap in childcare, we provide the choices that parents want
With unparalleled access to high quality childcare, you can count on us to find the solution you need when you need it most.
After all, when you have young children it's not a question of if you have a childcare breakdown but when.
Be prepared for life's little emergencies
Emergency Childcare allows you to book an emergency nanny, nursery or childminder across the UK when you need it most.
Our registered parents have the peace of mind of knowing they've already got a backup plan in place, and are able to:
- Search for their local childcare options
(nannies, nurseries, childminders) - Save favourites for future reference
- Arrange to visit any they're interested in
(this isn't required, although it can be reassuring) - Suggest other childcarers they'd like to join
- Book last minute childcare with us
Read more about Nannies, Nurseries, and Childminders.
Using your subsidy
As an employee of UKRI you may use up to 3 free sessions of backup care per year. The sessions can be used for emergencies when your usual care arrangements break down, across the services Emergency Childcare, School Holiday Cover, and Backup Adult & Eldercare.**Please note that Virtual Clubs are not subsidised by UKRI. They are available as a care option, however use must be self-funded by employees.**Please refer to the UKRI Guidance on booking emergency care before proceeding with your request. This can be found on The Source under the Employee Benefits page.
The UKRI contribution to your childcare costs will clearly be shown on the final booking step.
To make use of the subsidy, you must book care through the website and not directly with a childcare provider.
Convenient access to quality childcare
Our highly trained nannies and childminders are fully DBS/PVG checked and have had First Aid training*.
As well as being regulated by Ofsted and other appropriate regulatory bodies, the majority of our nurseries and childminders have been used and recommended by individual parents.
* When you book with us you'll have the opportunity to discuss all our quality standards.
When you might need us
Childcare can be booked for whenever you need - today, tomorrow, or up to 2 weeks in advance (on a day-at-a-time basis).
A few examples of when parents use us:
- Their usual nursery is closed for the day
- Their permanent nanny is off sick
- Their childminder is going to be on holiday
- The school has (another) inset day
- They need to work from home.