Early years education and childcare market study
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into early years education and childcare services in England.
Administrative timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 30 June 2027 | Statutory deadline |
| May 2027 | Publication of final report |
| 1 July 2026 | Launch of the market study |
Project roadmap
Our project roadmap covers what to expect at important stages of the market study and how to engage with us. We will update this throughout the study.
Launch of market study
1 July 2026: The CMA has launched a market study into the supply of early years education and childcare services in England (referred to below as ‘childcare’).
We invite views by 26 July 2026 from all interested parties on the proposed scope of the market study set out in the statement of scope document. Written representations should be provided by email to childcare@cma.gov.uk.
- (1.7.26)
- (1.7.26)
- Early years education and childcare market study hub (1.7.26)
- Press release: CMA opens probe into childcare sector (1.7.26)
Call for views
We are inviting views from families, childcare professionals and providers on their experiences of using or providing childcare services, as well as views from other interested people. The call for views will close on 26 July 2026.
- Families, carers and guardians: call for views (1.7.26)
- Childcare professionals and providers: call for views (1.7.26)
- Other interested people: call for views (1.7.26)
Relevant correspondence
Webinars
We are holding 2 webinars on 15 and 16 July on how the market study will run, what it means for the sector and how to engage with us throughout the market study.
For more information about the webinars and to reserve your place visit:
Contact
In the first place, please share your views via our call for views. If you wish to respond to our statement of scope or otherwise contact the team: childcare@cma.gov.uk
If you would like to hear from us about this market study you can sign up to our mailing list.
Personal information
The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its market studies under the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
For more information about how the CMA handles personal data, visit the CMA’s personal information charter.