Saving for a non relative child

[Merlot]

I would like to put a small amount of money away every month for my partners niece. The idea would be to use it to provide her some money at key dates in her childhood (becoming a teenager, 16th and 18th birthdays).

Critically, I do not want the child's mother to know about this, certainly not have access to the funds at any point.

Is there a way I can do this in a tax-efficient manner (in the child's name?) without her parent/legal gardian knowing about it?

[bitwrx]

Don't know.

But why isn't anyone allowed to know?

[Merlot]

bitwrx said:

Don't know.

But why isn't anyone allowed to know?

Single mother, benefits... the usual.