UK parents: are you using informal childcare arrangements, and does this work for your family?

Researchers have found that young toddlers and pre-school children benefit from formal childcare, which is associated with better cognitive and social development for children from all backgrounds, particularly for those from disadvantaged households. Photograph: Jordan Rowland/Unsplash

We’re keen to hear from parents in the UK who have informal childcare arrangements instead of, or in addition to, formal, government-regulated childcare.

Whether you have friends, neighbours or relatives looking after your children, or use ad hoc babysitters or nannies that are not Ofsted-registered, we’d like to hear from you and how this arrangement works for your family.