Competition watchdog sends legal information requests to nurseries
The Competition and Markets Authority has asked a number of smaller childcare providers in England for information. If your setting is asked, you must reply.
What to do now
- Check your inbox, including spam, for an email from the CMA.
- If you have a request, note the deadline it gives and reply by then.
- If you are not sure a request is genuine, check the CMA's page before you reply.
On 9 October 2026 the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) sent a request for information to a number of smaller childcare providers in England, such as nurseries and schools.
The CMA says it contacted a range of providers in different areas of England, so that it hears from providers of all types and sizes.
The request is made under the CMA's statutory powers. That means there is a legal requirement to give the information it asks for.
Is it a real request?
Yes. The CMA says an email or call from it about this is a legitimate request for information. Questions about it go to childcarems@cma.gov.uk.
About the market study
The CMA is looking at how early years education and childcare works in England, for children from birth until they start school.
It plans to consult on its emerging thinking from December 2026 to April 2027, and to publish its final report in May 2027. It says these dates are a guide and may change.
Over the border: The market study covers England only, so settings in Scotland are not part of it. News for Scotland
Official sources
- CMA: How to engage with the CMA's childcare market study, Updated 9 October 2026
- CMA: Early years education and childcare market study, Case page
How this story was made. This story was written with help from AI from the official sources below, then checked and approved by the Hubba Training team before it went live.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence.
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