Investing/ saving for children

[RubiconRubes]

I've recently started putting some money into my nieces' savings accounts but I know others are also putting money into their savings, so I'm worried about them having access to a big chunk at 18.

Are there any options for perhaps investing on their behalf, or at the least saving, with a caveat that they can't access it until they are older? Maybe 25 or so?

I'd just save in a separate account in your name and then give it to them when you think they are ready.

They will have access at 18 to an account in their name.
Give them the money way at 25 (from your account) if you are concerned or teach them about money management, investments, savings, loans and debts etc before they get to 18.

Ok, so there's no way to secure it until they're older then?

They are certainly taught about money management but, in my experience anyway, 18 years olds are pretty capable of making stupid decisions regardless of how well prepared they are to avoid them!

Thanks for the replies :)

You could always start a pension for them, it's never too early

The only way to secure it is to open an ISA etc in your own name. That s what we did and we will drip feed the money to DS while he’s at university. Also, I wish I’d invested in a stocks and shares ISA rather than a cash ISA, but it was soon after the credit crunch and I was too risk averse. Over time we would undoubtedly done better with investing in shares rather than cash.

I have a S&S JISA and JSIPP for my DD. Paid in since young and should give her a good lump at 18, and a big jump start on pension so she can concentrate enjoying her 20s.