Terms of use
Version 2026-09 · Last updated 29 September 2026
1. Who we are and what we do
UbuntuCare Ltd (“UbuntuCare”) runs an online platform that connects families (“Families”) with independent childcare and family support providers (“Caregivers”). UbuntuCare does not employ Caregivers and acts solely as an intermediary. The care relationship is between the Family and the Caregiver.
2. Accounts
- You must be 18 or over and give accurate information.
- Keep your login details secure. You’re responsible for activity on your account.
- We may suspend or remove accounts that breach these terms, our policies, or pose a safety risk.
3. Caregivers
- Caregivers are self-employed, independent contractors. They choose their rates, hours and which bookings to accept, and are responsible for their own tax and National Insurance.
- Caregivers must complete and maintain every mandatory check for their services (including enhanced DBS with the children’s barred list and safeguarding training), keep them up to date, and tell us immediately about anything that affects their suitability.
- Caregivers must follow our safeguarding policy and code of conduct, respect families’ homes and values, and provide safe, professional care.
- Prenatal and postpartum support is non-medical. Caregivers must not give medical advice or carry out clinical procedures.
- Childminders caring for children under 8 for more than 2 hours a day for payment must be registered with Ofsted.
4. Families
- Provide accurate information about your children’s needs, allergies and routines.
- Provide a safe environment for caregivers and supervise arrangements where appropriate.
- Treat caregivers with respect and make all bookings and payments through UbuntuCare.
5. Bookings and payments
- Bookings are requested by Families and must be accepted by the Caregiver before they are confirmed.
- The price shown is the Caregiver’s hourly rate multiplied by the booked hours, plus UbuntuCare’s 5% family service fee. We collect payment on the Caregiver’s behalf.
- We deduct a 10% commission from the Caregiver’s share and release the remainder after the session is completed.
- Cancellations and refunds follow our cancellation & refund policy. All cancellations must happen through the platform.
- Arranging bookings or payments outside UbuntuCare with people you met on UbuntuCare is not allowed.
6. Safety
We vet Caregivers as described on our safety page, act on reports and remove unsafe users. Vetting reduces risk but cannot remove it entirely: Families remain responsible for choosing a Caregiver and for their children’s care arrangements. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
7. Liability
We provide the platform with reasonable skill and care. We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of Families or Caregivers, and we don’t guarantee particular outcomes. Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or anything else that cannot be limited by law, or affects your statutory rights as a consumer.
8. Complaints and disputes
Please raise issues through the app or our complaints process. We’ll try to resolve disputes between Families and Caregivers fairly, including by mediation and refunds where appropriate.
9. Changes and law
We may update these terms and will notify you of material changes. These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction.