childcare

UK faces ‘seismic moment’ as nationalists target election wins, says John Swinney

2026-03-14 22:10:00 UTC

SNP leader hails prospect of success for parties in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that want to break up union

Swinney promises £500m childcare boost and more GP walk-in clinics

2026-03-14 22:10:00 UTC

Swinney says independence 'within reach' as he unveils childcare plan

2026-03-14 22:10:00 UTC

John Swinney outlined plans to offer childcare to all primary schoolchildren as he told the SNP conference that independ...

Child_care

Child care, also known as day care, is the care and supervision of one or more children, typically ranging from three months to 18 years old. Although most parents spend a significant amount of time caring for their child(ren), childcare typically refers to the care provided by caregivers who are not the child's parents. Childcare is a broad topic that covers a wide spectrum of professionals, institutions, contexts, activities, and social and cultural conventions. Early childcare is an essential and often overlooked component of child development.

A variety of people and organizations can care for children. The child's extended family may also take on this caregiving role. Another form of childcare is center-based childcare. In lieu of familial caregiving, these responsibilities may be given to paid caretakers, orphanages, or foster homes to provide care, housing, and schooling.