Moving to the UK With Children: The Ultimate Guide for International Families

1 day ago
24 min read

Mother and daughter walking up to a British school.

Moving to a new country with children can be exciting, but it can also come with an overwhelming number of questions. From navigating a new school system and finding childcare to helping your children make friends and settle into a completely new environment, there is a lot for parents to consider.

As someone who regularly speaks with international and expat families, and through research into the questions repeatedly raised within relocation communities, I've noticed that many parents share the same concerns when preparing to move to the UK.

That's why we've created this guide: to answer some of the most common questions parents ask when moving to the UK and to provide a practical starting point for planning schools, childcare and family life.

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In this guide:

Moving to the UK With Children: Where Do You Even Begin?
Start Planning for Schools and Childcare Earlier Than You Think
Understanding the UK School System
Will My Child Cope With Moving to a New Country?
Helping Your Child Make Friends and Find Their New Village
Moving to the UK With a Child Who Has SEND or Additional Needs
Understanding Your Childcare Options in the UK
How Much Does Childcare Cost in the UK?
Could a Nanny, Governess or Home Tutor Help Your Child Settle?
Moving to the UK Temporarily? It's Still Worth Building a Life Here
Arriving in the UK Pregnant?

Moving to the UK With Children: Where Do You Even Begin?

Once you've made the decision to move to the UK, the excitement can quickly be followed by a very long list of questions. Where will your children go to school? How does childcare work? Will they make friends? What if they struggle to settle? And how do you begin building a new support network when the people you usually rely on may now be thousands of miles away?

Parents worry about their children adjusting to a new country, navigating an unfamiliar school system, finding suitable childcare and understanding the different options available in the UK. Families moving with children who have additional needs may have even more questions about accessing the right support.

And then there are the smaller questions that can feel surprisingly big when you're planning an international move. Will my child be placed in the right school year? When should I start looking for childcare? What is a childminder? Could a nanny help my child settle? What happens if we're only moving to the UK temporarily? These aren't unusual concerns. In fact, they're some of the most common questions raised by families preparing to relocate.

This guide focuses specifically on children, childcare and family life in the UK. It isn't intended to cover visas, immigration or financial advice; for these areas, families should refer to official UK Government guidance or seek support from an appropriately qualified professional.

Start Planning for Schools and Childcare Earlier Than You Think

When preparing for an international move, there are understandably a lot of practical arrangements competing for your attention. Visas, accommodation, work, shipping and travel plans can quickly take priority, and schools and childcare can sometimes feel like something to organise once you have arrived. However, if you already know that you're moving to the UK with children, it is worth beginning your research much earlier than you may expect.

Where you choose to live can have an impact on the schools and childcare options available to your family. Nursery availability, nanny salaries and the demand for certain types of childcare can vary depending on location, whilst school admissions may be influenced by where you live and the admissions criteria of individual schools. For this reason, I would always recommend researching schools and childcare alongside your property search, rather than treating them as completely separate decisions. You don't necessarily need to have everything confirmed immediately, but having an understanding of the options available in the areas you're considering can help prevent unnecessary stress later.

If you know you will require a nanny, maternity nurse or another form of private childcare, you also don't need to wait until you have physically arrived in the UK to begin your search. In fact, speaking with a childcare agency before your move can help you understand realistic salary expectations, candidate availability and how long the recruitment process may take.

The same applies to schools and nurseries. Popular settings may have limited availability, and the processes involved can be unfamiliar if you're moving from a different education system. Starting your research early gives you more time to ask questions, understand your options and make informed decisions for your family.

Our advice?

Don't wait until the moving boxes arrive to start thinking about childcare.

Even if your plans are still evolving, having an idea of your preferred location, children's ages, expected working hours and likely childcare needs gives you a much stronger starting point.

Understanding the UK School System

One of the biggest areas of confusion for international families moving to the UK is the school system. School years, terminology and the age children start formal education may be completely different from what you are familiar with in your home country.

The first thing to understand is that there isn't one single education system across the whole of the UK. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own education systems, school structures and admissions processes. As many relocating families we support are moving to London and other parts of England, this guide will primarily focus on the English school system.

In England, children usually begin Reception in the September after they turn four. Reception is usually the first year of primary school and forms part of the Early Years Foundation Stage, before children move into Year 1 and begin Key Stage 1.

Primary school generally covers Reception through to Year 6, with children moving to secondary school in Year 7. Rather than using terms such as Kindergarten, Grade 1 or Elementary School, schools in England organise children into year groups.

3-4	Nursery / Preschool
4-5	Reception
5-6	Year 1
6-7	Year 2
7-8	Year 3
8-9	Year 4
9-10	Year 5
10-11	Year 6
11-12	Year 7 / Secondary School

Age ranges are a general guide and are usually based on a child's age at the start of the academic year.

For families arriving from overseas, one common worry is whether their child will be placed in the “correct” year or whether differences between curricula could leave them ahead or behind their classmates.

It is important to remember that different countries teach subjects at different stages and in different ways. A child may have covered certain areas of maths or science earlier than children in England, whilst encountering other topics for the first time. This does not necessarily mean that they are academically ahead or behind overall; they may simply be transitioning between two different curricula.

How Do I Enrol My Child in School After Moving to the UK?

The process of enrolling your child in school will depend partly on whether you are considering a state-funded school or a private school, also commonly referred to as an independent school in the UK.

For state-funded schools in England, applications are generally managed through your local authority, although some schools are responsible for their own admissions. If you are moving during the school year, you may need to make what is known as an in-year application. Once you have an idea of where you'll be living, one of your first steps should be identifying the relevant local authority and researching schools in the surrounding area. Each school has its own admissions criteria, and living close to a school does not automatically guarantee that your child will receive a place.

Don't Assume “Nearby” Means You'll Get a School Place

One thing that can surprise international families is just how important your exact home address may be when applying for an oversubscribed state school. Depending on the school's admissions criteria, priority may be given to children who live within a defined catchment area or based on the distance between the child's home and the school. The exact criteria and method used to measure distance can vary, so it is important to check the published admissions policy for each individual school.

In particularly popular areas, simply living within walking distance of a school does not necessarily mean your child will be offered a place. A home that appears conveniently located on a map may still fall outside a school's catchment area or be further away than the distance at which places were offered in a particular admissions year.

For relocating families, this is particularly important when choosing where to live. Before committing to a property based on its proximity to a preferred state school, check the school's current admissions criteria and, where available, previous admissions or allocation information. Remember that previous years can be useful for context, but they cannot guarantee a future school place.

Families arriving part-way through the academic year should also be aware that popular schools may already be full in their child's year group. You may need to make an in-year application, join waiting lists or consider other schools with available places.

Our advice? Research schools alongside your property search, not after you've signed the tenancy agreement. If a particular school is important to your family, speak to the relevant local authority or school admissions team and make sure you understand how places are allocated before making assumptions based on distance alone.

Families considering private or independent schools will usually apply directly to the individual school rather than through the local authority. Each school manages its own admissions process, so requirements can vary considerably. Depending on the school and your child's age, the process may include registration, previous school reports, an interview or assessment, and some selective schools may have entrance examinations.

For international families, it is worth contacting private schools as early as possible and explaining that you are relocating to the UK. Ask about availability in your child's year group, the admissions timeline and which documents or assessments will be required. If your child is currently studying under a different curriculum, sharing recent school reports and information about their current education can also help the school understand their academic background.

Some private schools are particularly experienced in welcoming international and relocating families, whilst others may have limited places in certain year groups. Private education can therefore offer families another option to explore, but it is still important to begin your research early rather than assuming a place will automatically be available.

Families applying for state schools can use the official GOV.UK school admissions guidance and find their local council for local information. For private schools, families should check the admissions information published by each individual school and contact the school's admissions team directly.

Yes, State School Children Usually Wear Uniform Too

Another difference that can surprise international families is just how common school uniforms are in the UK. School uniforms aren't just for private schools; many state schools in England have a school uniform policy and expect pupils to follow it. Depending on the school, this may include specific trousers, skirts or dresses, shirts and jumpers, as well as particular shoes and PE kit. Some schools require certain branded items displaying the school logo, whilst other parts of the uniform may be purchased from supermarkets or other retailers.

Before buying school clothes for your child, always check the individual school's uniform policy. Schools will usually publish a uniform list on their website or provide this information when your child is offered a place. You may also need separate clothing and footwear for PE, and some schools have rules around jewellery, hairstyles, make-up and other aspects of appearance.

For children arriving from overseas, wearing a school uniform can actually be one less unfamiliar decision to navigate each morning and may help them feel visually part of their new school community. However, it can still feel very different if they have never worn a uniform before, so showing them photographs of pupils or looking through the uniform list together before their first day may help them know what to expect.

Will My Child Cope With Moving to a New Country?

For many parents, one of the biggest worries about moving to the UK isn't the move itself, but how their children will cope with it. You may be excited about the opportunities ahead whilst simultaneously worrying that you are taking your child away from everything they know. Their friends, school, grandparents, extended family, familiar routines and even seemingly small things such as their favourite park or weekend activities may suddenly be thousands of miles away.

Children are often incredibly adaptable and may settle into a new environment more quickly than parents initially expect. However, every child is different, and it is completely normal for children to need time to adjust to such a significant change. A child can be excited about moving to the UK whilst still deeply missing their old life. Both feelings can exist at the same time.

You may notice temporary changes in your child's behaviour after an international move. Some children may become more emotional, clingy or irritable, whilst others may experience changes to their sleep, confidence or behaviour. Older children may be more vocal about missing friends or feeling frustrated by differences between their new school and the one they previously attended.

Try not to put too much pressure on your child to immediately “love” their new life. Whilst comments such as “Look how exciting this is!” or “You're going to make lots of new friends!” are usually intended to reassure them, children may also need space to talk about what they miss and what feels difficult.

Where possible, involve children in age-appropriate decisions surrounding the move. This could be choosing something for their new bedroom, researching activities they might like to try, looking at photographs of the local area or helping to plan something enjoyable for your first few weeks in the UK. Maintaining some familiar routines can also provide reassurance during a period where almost everything else feels new. Familiar bedtime routines, favourite meals, regular video calls with loved ones or continuing an activity your child enjoyed at home can help create a sense of continuity. For older children, keeping in touch with friends from home can be incredibly important. At the same time, gently encouraging opportunities to build connections in the UK can help them gradually begin to feel part of their new community.

Settling doesn't always happen overnight. Some children may walk into their new school and quickly feel at home, whilst others need weeks or months to build confidence and form friendships. Neither experience means that the move has been a success or a failure.

The goal isn't necessarily to make your child's previous life feel less important. It's to help them gradually build a new life in the UK whilst still feeling connected to the people, places and experiences that matter to them.

Helping Your Child Make Friends and Find Their New Village

For many children, one of the hardest parts of moving to a new country is leaving behind established friendships and familiar social circles. Parents often worry about whether their child will make friends in the UK and how long it will take for them to feel like they truly belong.

School or nursery will naturally provide opportunities to meet other children, but friendships don't always happen immediately. This is particularly true for children who are naturally shy, are joining part-way through the school year or are still adjusting to a different language, accent or social environment.

One of the most effective ways to help children build connections is through regular, repeated activities. Rather than filling every weekend with one-off experiences, consider choosing one or two clubs or activities that your child can attend consistently. Football, swimming, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, music groups, Scouts or Guides and local children's clubs can all provide opportunities to see the same faces each week.

Repeated contact matters. Seeing the same children at swimming every Saturday or attending the same after-school club each week gives friendships time to develop naturally. It also gives your child something familiar and predictable to look forward to whilst so much of their life may still feel new.

For babies and younger children, local playgroups, library sessions, children's centres and regular classes can provide similar opportunities. Whilst your baby may not be particularly concerned about building their own “village” just yet, these spaces can be incredibly valuable for parents who are also trying to build a support network after relocating.

Don't underestimate the importance of playdates either. If your child mentions another child from school regularly, consider reaching out to their parent or carer and suggesting a simple trip to the park or an afternoon playdate. It may feel uncomfortable putting yourself out there when you're new, but many established friendships between both children and parents begin with one person taking that first step.

If you employ a nanny, they can also play a valuable role in helping your child establish a social life in their new area. An experienced local nanny may already know suitable classes, parks, libraries and activities, and can help arrange age-appropriate playdates and maintain regular social routines whilst parents are working.

Most importantly, try not to panic if friendships take time. Some children quickly find a group, whilst others build one or two close friendships more gradually. Creating regular opportunities for connection is often far more helpful than putting pressure on a child to “make friends”.

And remember, your village matters too. Moving away from family and established friendships can feel isolating for parents, particularly when you no longer have grandparents or trusted friends nearby to call on. Building connections through school communities, parent groups, local activities and childcare networks can help the UK gradually begin to feel more like home. You may also find this article helpful: Moving to the UK with Children: We Have No Family Nearby – How Do We Build a Support Network?

Moving to the UK With a Child Who Has SEND or Additional Needs

Moving to a new country can require additional planning when your child has special educational needs, a disability or already receives additional support at school. For many international parents, one of the biggest concerns is whether their child will receive the same level of support in the UK and how existing diagnoses, assessments or support plans will be recognised.

In England, you will commonly see the term SEND, which stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The terminology and support systems may be different from those used in your home country, so it is worth familiarising yourself with the English system as early as possible.

If your child already receives support overseas, gather as much existing documentation as possible before your move. This may include diagnostic reports, educational psychology assessments, therapy reports, school reports and copies of any current learning or support plans. If documents are not in English, you may also want to check whether translated copies will be helpful or required by the organisations you are dealing with.

Once you have an idea of where you will be living, research the Local Offer provided by your local authority. Every local authority in England publishes information about the education, health and care support available for children and young people with SEND in its area. This can be a useful starting point for understanding local services and who to contact.

It is also worth speaking directly with prospective schools about your child's individual needs. Schools have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who helps coordinate SEND provision within the school. Sharing information early gives the school an opportunity to understand your child's current support and discuss what may be available once they join.

Some children with more complex needs may require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). An EHCP is a legal document used in England for children and young people whose needs require more support than is ordinarily available through standard SEN support. However, overseas support plans do not automatically become an EHCP when you move to England, and families may need to engage with their new local authority about the appropriate assessment and support process.

The official UK Government guidance on children with special educational needs and disabilities is a helpful place to begin. Families may also find information and advice through IPSEA, a charity specialising in SEND law in England.

Most importantly, start planning early where possible. You don't need to understand the entire SEND system before moving to the UK, but gathering your child's records, researching the Local Offer and identifying the right people to contact can give you a much clearer starting point.

Understanding Your Childcare Options in the UK

One of the first things international parents often discover is that childcare terminology in the UK may be quite different from what they are used to at home. Depending on where you're relocating from, words such as childminder, maternity nurse or nanny-housekeeper may be completely unfamiliar, or may mean something different in your home country.

There is no single childcare option that works best for every family. Many international families find it helpful to combine more than one childcare option, particularly during the first few months after relocating. Your child's age, working hours, commute, budget and the level of flexibility you require will all influence which arrangement is most suitable.

Here are some of the most common childcare options you may come across when moving to the UK:

Nursery

Nurseries provide childcare in a group setting, usually caring for babies and young children up until school age. Children are typically cared for in rooms or groups based on their age and follow a daily routine involving meals, naps, play and age-appropriate learning activities.

Nursery can be a great option for families looking for regular weekday childcare and for children who enjoy a busy, social environment. However, opening hours, availability and fees vary between settings, and popular nurseries may have waiting lists.

Childminder

A childminder is a childcare professional who usually cares for children within the childminder's own home. They may look after several children from different families at the same time, within the limits that apply to their registration and the ages of the children in their care.

Childminders can offer a smaller, more home-like environment than a nursery and may provide school or nursery drop-offs and collections depending on their location and availability.

Nanny

A nanny works within the family's home, as part of a live-in or live-out arrangement and provides dedicated childcare for one family, or sometimes two families as part of a nanny share. Nannies can be temporary, long-term, part-time, full-time or ad-hoc.

Nannies can offer a highly personalised and flexible form of childcare. Their role may include planning activities, preparing children's meals, supporting routines and development, taking children to classes and playgroups, arranging playdates and completing nursery or school drop-offs and collections.

For international families, a nanny can also provide valuable consistency during a period of significant change. Having one familiar childcare professional supporting your child's daily routine can be particularly reassuring whilst they adjust to a new home, school and country. They also allow children to remain in the familiarity of their own home.

Nanny-Housekeeper

A nanny-housekeeper combines childcare with agreed household responsibilities. The exact balance of the role can vary considerably between families.

Depending on the position, duties may include children's laundry, family laundry, cooking, general tidying or other household tasks alongside childcare. It is important to be realistic about how much can be achieved whilst caring for children, particularly babies and toddlers who require close supervision.

Nanny-Share

A nanny share usually involves two families employing or sharing the care of one nanny. The nanny cares for children from both families, either in one family's home or between the two homes depending on the arrangement.

For some families, this can provide the personalised benefits of a nanny whilst sharing some of the cost. It can also give children regular opportunities to socialise with another child.

Maternity Nurse

Despite the title, a maternity nurse is not necessarily a registered nurse or medical professional. In the UK private childcare sector, the term is commonly used for an experienced newborn care professional who supports families during the early weeks or months following the arrival of a baby.

Maternity nurses may work during the day, overnight or on a 24-hour basis and can support parents with newborn routines, feeding, sleep, bathing and general newborn care. Their role is practical and supportive rather than medical.

If you're arriving in the UK pregnant or expecting a baby shortly after your move, it can be worth researching maternity support well in advance, as experienced maternity nurses may be booked months before a baby's due date.

Governess or Governor

A governess or governor provides more education-focused support within a private household. These roles are particularly common amongst international and high-profile families and may involve supporting children's education, homework, language development or wider academic progress.

Unlike a traditional nanny role, the primary focus is usually educational rather than providing all aspects of daily childcare, however there is also the option of hiring a nanny-governess.

Home Tutor

A home tutor provides academic support in specific subjects or areas of learning. For children moving between different education systems, a tutor may be helpful in identifying differences between curriculums and supporting a child as they adjust to the expectations of their new school.

This doesn't necessarily mean your child is “behind”. Different countries may teach topics in a different order or use different methods, and some children simply benefit from additional support during the transition. There is also the option of a nanny-tutor, a career nanny that also specialises as an educational tutor or language tutor.

Babysitter

Babysitters usually provide occasional or ad hoc childcare, often during evenings or weekends. Unlike a nanny, a babysitter does not usually take responsibility for the child's wider routine, development or ongoing childcare planning.

For families who have recently relocated and no longer have grandparents or trusted friends nearby, finding a reliable babysitter can be an important part of rebuilding that practical support network.

Which Childcare Option Is Right for My Family?

The right choice will depend entirely on your family's circumstances. A nursery may work perfectly for parents with predictable working hours, whilst a nanny may be more suitable for a family requiring longer days, school collections, travel or greater flexibility. Some families also combine childcare options, such as nursery several days per week with a nanny covering afternoons or additional days.

Before beginning your childcare search, consider when you actually need care, your children's ages, your working and commuting hours, whether you require flexibility and how much one-to-one support your child may benefit from during the move.

If you're unsure which childcare option would work best, this is exactly the type of conversation a specialist childcare agency should be able to help you navigate. At The Nanny & Maternity Agency, we speak with families about their individual routines and requirements before recommending the type of private childcare support that may suit them best.

How Much Does Childcare Cost in the UK?

Childcare costs are understandably one of the biggest considerations for families moving to the UK. If you're relocating from overseas, it can be difficult to know whether the prices you're seeing are typical, what is included and how different childcare options compare.

The first thing to know is that there is no single standard cost for childcare in the UK. Prices can vary considerably depending on where you live, your child's age, the type of childcare you choose and the number of hours you require. London and other high-cost areas will generally have higher childcare costs than many other parts of the country.

Nursery and Childminder Costs

Nurseries will usually charge a daily, weekly or monthly fee, depending on the setting. Some may include meals, snacks, nappies or activities within their fees, whilst others charge separately for certain extras. When comparing nurseries, always ask exactly what is included in the advertised price.

Childminders commonly charge an hourly rate per child. This is an important distinction for families with siblings, as the total cost of care can increase when more than one child requires a place.

Eligible families may be able to access government-funded childcare or other support with childcare costs. However, eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances and immigration status, so international families should check the current official UK Government childcare support guidance rather than assuming they will automatically qualify.

How Much Does a Nanny Cost in the UK?

Nanny salaries vary depending on location, experience, qualifications, duties and the structure of the role. London salaries are typically higher than in many other areas of the UK, and roles requiring extensive travel, flexibility, specialist newborn experience or additional household responsibilities may command a higher salary.

Unlike nurseries and childminders, nannies generally charge per family rather than per child. This means that for families with two or more children, the cost difference between group childcare and employing a nanny may sometimes be smaller than initially expected.

In the UK nanny industry, salaries should usually be discussed and advertised as a gross hourly, weekly or annual salary. Gross pay is the nanny's salary before deductions such as Income Tax and National Insurance.

If you employ a nanny, you will also usually become their employer. This can mean responsibilities such as operating payroll, providing paid annual leave, issuing an employment contract and meeting workplace pension duties where applicable.

If this sounds complicated, don't worry. Specialist nanny payroll companies are widely available in the UK and can support families with payroll, tax calculations and employer responsibilities. A reputable nanny agency should also be able to explain the recruitment and employment process before you hire.

What About Maternity Nurse Costs?

Maternity nurses and newborn care professionals are usually priced differently from permanent nannies. Rates can depend on the professional's experience, the number of babies, whether the role is daytime, overnight or 24-hour support, and whether travel is required.

Many experienced maternity nurses are booked well in advance, particularly for longer bookings or around expected due dates. If you know you would like private newborn support after your baby arrives, it is worth beginning your search during pregnancy rather than waiting until after the birth.

Budget for the Type of Support You Actually Need

When comparing childcare costs, try not to look at the hourly or daily rate in isolation. Consider the overall level of support your family requires.

A nursery may be the most suitable option for a child who thrives in a group environment and whose parents work predictable hours. A nanny may offer greater value to a family with multiple children, long working days, school collections or a need for greater flexibility. A nanny-housekeeper may suit a household requiring both childcare and agreed household support.

The cheapest option on paper is not always the option that works best for your family's daily life. Before committing to childcare, consider your working hours, commute, children's ages, school or nursery schedules and how much flexibility you are realistically likely to need.

Typical UK Childcare Pricing Structures

Childcare Type	Typical Pricing Structure
Nursery	Daily or monthly fee, per child
Childminder	Hourly rate, per child
Nanny	Gross hourly/annual salary, usually per family
Maternity Nurse	Daily or 24-hour rate
Babysitter	Hourly rate

Planning Your Move?

If you're finding this guide useful, you may also like our Free UK Family Relocation Pack.

It includes:

a printable relocation planner
our Expat Family Childcare Guide
practical checklists
planning worksheets

to help organise your family's move before you arrive in the UK.

Download your free copy here.

Could a Nanny, Governess or Home Tutor Help Your Child Settle?

For some international families, childcare is not simply about covering working hours. It can also play an important role in helping children settle into a new country, new school and new daily routine. A nanny can provide consistency during a period of change. They may help with school runs, after-school routines, local activities, playdates, homework, meals and emotional reassurance. For younger children, having one familiar adult caring for them regularly can be especially helpful whilst they adjust to a new home and environment.

For school-aged children, a nanny with strong local knowledge can also help families discover parks, libraries, classes, clubs and family-friendly spaces nearby. This can be particularly valuable for parents who are still learning their new area themselves. Some families may also consider a governess or home tutor, particularly if their child is moving between different education systems. A governess usually provides more education-focused support within the home, while a tutor may help with specific subjects, confidence or curriculum gaps.

This does not necessarily mean a child is behind. Different countries teach subjects in different orders and use different methods, so some children simply benefit from extra support while they adjust to the expectations of their new school.

For families relocating to the UK, the right childcare professional can become far more than practical support. They can help create routine, familiarity and confidence at a time when much of family life may still feel new.

Moving to the UK Temporarily? It's Still Worth Building a Life Here

Not every family moving to the UK is planning to stay permanently. You may be relocating for a two-year work assignment, a temporary contract or simply be unsure how long the UK will be home.

When you know another move may be in the future, it can be tempting to view your time in the UK as temporary and put off building deeper connections or establishing long-term routines. However, for a child, one or two years can represent a significant part of their childhood. Even during a temporary relocation, familiar routines, regular activities and trusted relationships can help children feel secure and settled. Joining a local club, building friendships, arranging playdates and finding childcare professionals your family trusts can help your child develop a genuine sense of belonging during their time in the UK.

Try to allow your child to invest in their new life without constantly focusing on the fact that another move may eventually happen. They can remain connected to friends, family and traditions from home whilst also forming meaningful relationships and creating happy memories in the UK.

For parents, building a support network matters too. Finding trusted childcare, getting to know other families and becoming familiar with your local community can make everyday life feel considerably less isolating, even if you know your time here has an end date.

Temporary doesn't have to mean unsettled. The UK may not be your family's forever home, but it can still feel like home while you're here.

Arriving in the UK Pregnant?

If you're moving to the UK whilst pregnant, you may have an entirely different list of questions. How do you access maternity care? Will you use the NHS or private maternity care? Who do you contact when you arrive? And what support is available after your baby is born? Maternity care in the UK may work differently from the system you're familiar with. Depending on your circumstances and preferences, families may receive care through the NHS, choose private maternity care or use a combination of both.

If you're arriving in the UK during pregnancy, it's important to begin arranging your maternity care as soon as possible. The NHS pregnancy guidance provides information on pregnancy and maternity care in England. If you're considering private care, you can also contact private maternity hospitals or obstetric consultants directly to discuss their services and availability.

You may also want to think about the support you'll have after your baby arrives, particularly if you're moving away from parents, siblings or friends who may otherwise have formed part of your support network. In the UK, some families choose to hire a maternity nurse or newborn care professional for practical support during the early weeks or months following birth.

At The Nanny & Maternity Agency, maternity support is one of our specialist services, and we regularly speak with families about the type of newborn support that may suit their individual circumstances.

We're also creating a separate, detailed guide for international families having a baby in the UK, covering maternity care, who may support you during pregnancy and the postnatal period, and private newborn support. Once published, you'll be able to find it here: Coming soon.

Final Thoughts: Helping Your Family Settle Into Life in the UK

Moving to the UK with children is a big transition, and it's completely understandable to have questions about how your family will adjust. Schools, childcare, friendships and new routines can all feel unfamiliar at first, particularly when you're trying to navigate them alongside everything else involved in an international move.

The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out alone. Starting your research early, understanding the options available and knowing where to find reliable support can make the process feel much more manageable.

Every child's experience of relocation will be different. Some settle quickly, whilst others need more time, reassurance and consistency. Creating familiar routines, encouraging opportunities to build friendships and finding the right childcare or educational support can all help your child gradually feel more at home.

At The Nanny & Maternity Agency, we specialise in supporting international families relocating to the UK with personalised nanny and maternity nurse placements. We understand that finding childcare in a country you're still getting to know can feel daunting, which is why our approach is highly personal and tailored to each family's individual needs.