A lack of suitable childcare options is inflicting huge financial and emotional strain on vulnerable families, according to new research involving Durham academics.
More about the study
The 'Childcare should not be a luxury' report is led by Health Equity North, Newcastle University and the University of Manchester.
Dr Xiaofei Qi, from our School of Education, and Dr Charmele Ayadurai, from our Business School, are co-authors.
Researchers interviewed parents and carers across North East England.
What the study found
Those interviewed spoke about the sacrifices for their families, and feeling lonely, isolated and anxious when they struggled to access adequate childcare support.
Dr Qi contributed to the childcare provision and policy review. Dr Ayadurai worked on the impact of the cost of living crisis, and the alignment to child poverty.
It found that:
- Many parents and carers struggle to find adequate childcare, with knock-on effects for their employment, wellbeing, and their children's development and readiness for school.
- Parents are experiencing a loss of identity, and struggling to find time for themselves.
- Paying for childcare absorbs a huge amount of their salary.
- Much of the support available requires parents to be in work.
- Families are struggling to claim childcare support.
- The childcare gap is particularly damaging for those who are already vulnerable and marginalised, including families where English is not the first language, those with Special Education Needs and Disabilities and medical needs, and families experiencing separation or addiction recovery.
A call for change
The report calls for childcare to be recognised as a vital part of national and regional economic infrastructure, necessary for the health and wellbeing of families and the development of the children themselves.
They are recommending:
- Reforming childcare funding and benefits, to ensure it is transparent, fully covers costs, and supports parents balancing work and caregiving.
- Conducting a regional childcare assessment.
- Expanding childcare for child development.
- Improving workforce pay and conditions.
Good childcare is often the difference between a child growing up in poverty or a family being able to live a fuller live and thrive. It can help children grow in confidence, and imagine a better future. We need to ensure that funding is more accessible for all, and that we consider the barriers that many face, particularly when trying to find employment.
Childcare plays a crucial role in supporting children's development learning, and wellbeing. However, the challenges confronting childcare provision are significant: both families and childcare providers have been profoundly affected by the cost of living crisis. This report underscores the pressing need to address the escalating childcare cost crisis, which adversely impacts parents, childcare providers, and broader societal wellbeing.
This study has made it clear that it's time to start focusing on parents with different set of resources namely income as they face very different options for the care of their young children. Childcare policies and programs should be better organised to support the dual roles of parents as providers and nurturers. This will reduce the stressors involved as parents can balance their efforts better to provide economically for their children while ensuring that their children are getting the nurturing they deserve for a strong start in life.
