What’s changed?
The childcare sector has undergone many changes, particularly in the UK which has experienced significant social, political and cultural shifts.
“What began as small local initiatives has become a cornerstone of family life – shaped by legislation, innovation and changing expectations about work, education and community,”
Samantha Rhodes, Partou’s Managing Director, explained in a special anniversary statement marking Partou Day.
“The transformation from informal arrangements with neighbours and relatives into a professional, science-led service that underpins modern family life shows just how rapidly the world has changed. Half a century ago, many parents relied on friends, family members or small community playgroups. Today, early years provision is governed by rigorous inspection frameworks, evidence-based pedagogies and specialist training programmes – all designed to give children the very best start.”
Samantha reflected that, over the five decades since Partou was established,
“key policy milestones such as the Children Act 1989, the introduction of Sure Start and the expansion of free entitlement hours, have reflected society’s growing recognition that quality childcare is essential infrastructure.”
“At the same time, Partou has evolved alongside the sector, moving from its roots in local care schemes to partnering with leading universities to inject robust data and scientific rigour into our daily practice.”
Samantha added:
“We’ve had a wonderfully fulfilling first full year in the UK with our teams coming together to deliver first class childcare whilst empowering the children to lead the way and seize each fun-packed day. We look forward to growing the Partou brand and achieving even higher standards in the years ahead.”
5 Decades of childcare
Below is a timeline of UK childcare’s most significant moments since the 1970s, each set against a cultural or global ‘meanwhile’ moment. This shows how childcare policy has evolved alongside changes in culture, technology and politics.
| Year | Childcare Milestone | Meanwhile… |
| 1973 | Home-Start is founded to give volunteer support to families with young children. | Pink Floyd release The Dark Side of the Moon — a defining moment in music history. |
| 1989 | Children Act 1989 comes into force, creating the first statutory framework for child protection and welfare. | The Berlin Wall falls, heralding the end of the Cold War. |
| 1992 | Ofsted is established, bringing early years settings under the same inspection regime as schools. | The Maastricht Treaty was signed, formally creating the European Union. |
| 1998 | Sure Start launches, targeting early intervention in disadvantaged areas with integrated childcare, health and family support. | Google is founded — the start of the internet’s modern era. |
| 2006 | Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on local authorities to secure sufficient childcare for working parents. | Twitter officially opens to the public, birthing the age of micro-blogging. |
| 2010 | The government introduces 12.5 free hours of early years entitlement for all 3–4 year-olds. | Apple launches the iPad, redefining how we work and learn on screens |
| 2014 | Free entitlement is boosted to 15 hours per week for 3–4 year-olds. | Scotland holds its independence referendum — a landmark moment in UK politics. |
| 2021 | Early years entitlement jumps to 30 hours for working parents of 3–4 year-olds, aiming to improve affordability and access. | COP26 — the UN’s annual climate summit — convened in Glasgow, spotlighting the race to net zero |
| 2025 | Launch of a pilot programme offering 15 hours’ free childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds in selected English local authorities. | The UK holds nationwide commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. |