ParentLink review
A browser-based childcare platform with a free plan and paid operational tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ParentLink is cloud-based childcare management software for nurseries, clubs, childminders and other early-years settings across the UK and Ireland. It brings together digital registers, kiosk QR sign-in, attendance, daily diaries, learning observations, parent communication, staff rotas, funded-hours tracking, billing, enrolment workflows and safeguarding records. The free plan supports up to 15 children, making it a practical starting point for smaller settings that need core operations and family communication in one system. Its browser-based parent experience avoids an app-store download, though there are no native mobile apps.
The published plans show a free tier with a digital register, kiosk sign-in, parent app, daily diary, photos, messaging, GDPR export, audit log, MFA and role permissions. Starter 50 costs £50 per month and adds online booking, longer video clips and priority email support; Starter 100 is £75 per month and adds higher child capacity. Pro costs £150 per month and adds invoicing and statements, Direct Debit and Stripe payments, SMS, document automation, advanced reports, inspection snapshots, API, webhooks and AI writing assistance. Enterprise pricing is bespoke and includes multi-site features such as group billing, consolidated reporting, single sign-on and dedicated onboarding. A 14-day free trial is available without a card requirement.
The feature set reaches beyond registers into operational oversight: live ratios, zone tracking, safer-sleep checks, medication records, staff timesheets and payroll export sit alongside learning journals and inspection packs. Payment connections include GoCardless and Stripe, while the platform also lists Twilio, email delivery options, HMRC funded codes, REST API and webhooks. This breadth suits settings seeking a shared workflow for administration, staff and parent updates; small providers mainly needing registers and safeguarding can start free. Settings that require native mobile apps or detailed lesson-planning tools should look elsewhere, and groups needing enterprise features should account for bespoke pricing.
ParentLink pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan covers registers, kiosk sign-in, parent messaging and audit logs
- Tracks live ratios, safeguarding records, funded hours and staff rotas
- Pro adds payments, reporting, API, webhooks and inspection snapshots
- Where it doesn't
- No native mobile apps
- Starter plans do not include invoicing or payment features
- Enterprise pricing is bespoke
ParentLink fact sheet, pricing and score →
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