Early years education and childcare market study: Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) – Call for evidence

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is looking into the provision of early years education and childcare services. We want to understand how the sector is working for families and providers, and if it could work better.

We’re looking at education and childcare services – such as childminders, nurseries and pre-schools – for children from birth until they start school (at age 4 or 5).

The CMA is seeking views from:

• people who are paying for childcare with government support to cover the cost, with your own money, or a mix of both – more information available here: Early years education and childcare market study: families – GOV.UK
• anyone involved in providing childcare services – more information available here: Early years education and childcare market study: providers and professionals – GOV.UK
• stakeholders with an interest in early years education and childcare – more information available here: Early years education and childcare market study: other interested people – GOV.UK

All calls for evidence close at 11:59pm on 26 July 2026, so please share your views and comments.