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International students with dependants Additional information

Additional information

Additional information about caring for children in the UK, such as regulations and laws which may be different from your home country.

If you or your partner are pregnant and have the child here in the UK

A baby born in the UK does not automatically get British Citizenship. If you or your partner are pregnant or have had a child born in the UK, it is important that you get in touch with one of our International Student Advisers about next steps. This is particularly important as free healthcare is only covered for the first three months after birth and cover does not resume until the decision on an application is made. For more information click here.

Free childcare

All 3 to 4-year-old in the UK will receive 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, of free childcare. You will be given the option to take few or more hours per week. However, to redeem the free childcare service, you must be with an approved childcare provider. For more information click here.

30 hours free childcare
You may be eligible to apply for the 30 hours free childcare per week. For more information click here.

The 15/30 free childcare scheme will end when the child starts reception or compulsory school age (age 5). Please be mindful that in addition to the childcare, you will need to pay the childcare provider for the cost of nappies, meals or trips that your child consumes/participate in.    

Babysitting and childminder

Babysitting:
According to Government guidance babysitters over 16 years old should be mature and sensible enough but still make sure you check that they can cope. However, if a babysitter is under 18 years of age, you as the parent will have full legal responsibility if anything happens to the babysitter or the children in their care.

Childminder:
Childminders work from home providing childcare to children of various ages. Childminders must be registered and are inspected regularly. Find your local registered Childminder click here.

Legal requirements

Children left on their own

  • Babies, toddlers, and very young children should NOT be left alone.
  • Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to be left along for a long period of time
  • Children under 16 should NOT be left alone over night

There is no law that says you cannot leave a child on their own, BUT it is an offence to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. It is vital that you use your judgement to assess how mature your child is before deciding to leave them alone.  For more information click here.

Child car seats law

By law children must use a car seat until they reach the age of 12 or 135 centimetre tall, whichever comes first. A child’s weight and age will have an impact on what kind of child seat you will require. For more information click here.

 Be Mindful

  • It is illegal to given children under 16 alcohol. However, it is acceptable to buy a 16-year-old alcohol if they are consuming a meal at a restaurant with you, under your supervision.
  • Children at the age of 13 can apply for a Part Time job, for more information click here click here.
  • Children age 16 can apply for a licence to drive a moped
  • Children age 17 can apply for a driving licence to drive a car
  • Children age 16 canwork as a baby sitter
  • Children under 18 cannot purchase or smoke cigarettes
  • Children under 18 cannot purchase alcohol
  • Children under the age of 16 cannot purchase paracetamol and certain other medicines
  • Children under 16 cannot watch films that are rated 18
  • Children cannot have a tattoo until they reach the age of 18
  • Children under 18 cannot purchase dangerous items such as knives and fireworks

For more information on children’s rights click here.