Parents call for an app for childcare

A report by the Family and Childcare Trust with IPSOS Mori found that while there is a lot of information available to parents, some found it difficult to find the sort of information they needed, whether it was practical issues about costs and judging quality provision, or questions around their child’s development.

According to the findings, some parents were unsure as to the best time for the child to start childcare, were unclear about waiting lists, lacked information about the two-year-old entitlement, and ‘hidden costs’, such as whether they had to pay during holidays.

One of the report’s recommendations is a central site to bring together key information in an easily accessible, digital format clearing signposting parents to the information they need.

Last month the Department for Education (DfE) launched a competition with £200,000 of funding  available to online developers for a new website or mobile phone app to help parents find and arrange childcare provision, with easy ways to search by location or opening hours.

The DfE says this is the first Government-backed technical solution for a 'one-stop-shop' for childcare.

The deadline for registering interest for the competition has been extended until 13 February, and the closing date for the competition is 1 April.

Childcare minister Sam Gyimah said, ‘Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions any parent makes, but too often it’s hard to find out about all the options available to their family quickly and easily.

‘We want all parents to have access to good quality and affordable childcare, with all the information about what’s available locally at their fingertips. Instead of wasting time just trying to uncover what’s available, parents will have everything they need to weigh up what’s best for them in one place – such as costs, opening hours and available spaces.

‘We’re looking for ideas from experts in digital technology on how to make this happen to make things easier for parents through a new one stop shop.’

Ellen Broome, director of programmes and external Affairs at the Family and Childcare Trust, said, 'It is imperative that parents have the right information so they can access the right support, including financial support with childcare costs, and their children get the best start in life. The insights from this research will help all organisations working with parents to make sure they can access the timely and accurate information they need.'

• More information on the competition and how to register can be found here