Early years education and childcare market study: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a significant market study examining how early years education and childcare services operate in England.
Launched on 1 July 2026, the review reportedly focuses on services from birth until children start school, covering nurseries, childminders, pre-schools and school-based provision. With more than 53,000 providers offering around 1.6 million places and an estimated sector value of £14 billion annually, the study arrives at a time of substantial government funding and notable shifts in ownership structures, including growth in private-equity-backed places.
Operators and investors must navigate the practical and legal consequences of such investigations so they can respond effectively and protect their positions.
The CMA’s early years education and childcare market study is assessing whether the sector works well for families, providers and the wider economy. Core themes reportedly include access to high-quality places and any barriers to entry or expansion; affordability and the interaction between government funding and provider sustainability; the quality of information available to families when choosing services; the roles played by local authorities and regulatory bodies; and the effects of different ownership models on costs and choice.
Structural changes in the market—such as the reported doubling of places offered by private-equity providers between 2018 and 2024 alongside declines among certain not-for-profit and partnership models—form part of the evidence base the CMA is examining. Although the formal focus is England, the Authority has indicated it will consider relevance for other UK nations.
Providers should treat the study as an opportunity to submit evidence that accurately reflects operational realities, funding pressures and competitive dynamics.
Effective engagement begins with a clear understanding of the process. The CMA has reportedly invited views from families, professionals, providers and other interested parties by 26 July 2026 and has published a statement of scope, market-study notice and project roadmap. Webinars reportedly held in mid-July 2026 explained timelines and participation routes.
Going forward, organisations should monitor updates on the CMA’s case page and consider whether to make further submissions as the study progresses toward its final report (targeted for May 2027, with a statutory deadline of 30 June 2027). From a competition-law perspective, responses need careful preparation: factual accuracy, supporting data on costs and utilisation, and avoidance of any statements that could later be characterised as anti-competitive coordination.
The Competition Lawyers routinely assists clients in drafting representations, assessing the risk of follow-on recommendations or a possible market-investigation reference, and ensuring internal communications remain compliant throughout the process.
Market studies can lead to a range of outcomes—from recommendations for regulatory or funding reform to, in some cases, a full market investigation. Providers may face increased scrutiny of pricing practices, cross-subsidisation between funded and private hours, or the competitive effects of consolidation.
Ownership structures and the influence of private capital are already under the microscope, so operators should review their commercial arrangements, information-sharing practices and any vertical or horizontal relationships that could attract attention. Preparing robust cost data, documenting funding shortfalls and demonstrating how quality and accessibility are maintained can strengthen any future dialogue with the CMA or government.
The early years education and childcare market study represents a pivotal moment for the sector. Providers that understand the issues under examination and engage thoughtfully are better placed to influence outcomes and manage risk.
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