Nursery World - Affordable childcare is parents' priority

Nine out of ten parents say there is not enough affordable childcare available, according to a survey for the Daycare Trust and Unison. The MORI survey of 587 parents and guardians found that 93 per cent wanted affordable quality childcare to be available to all children aged 12 months or older. More places, greater childcare support from employers and affordable provision were listed as three of the most important changes parents would like to see made. In addition, 60 per cent of respondents said the Government should contribute more to the cost of childcare, while 41 per cent said employers should do more. Only 16 per cent said the cost was the parent's responsibility.

The MORI survey of 587 parents and guardians found that 93 per cent wanted affordable quality childcare to be available to all children aged 12 months or older. More places, greater childcare support from employers and affordable provision were listed as three of the most important changes parents would like to see made. In addition, 60 per cent of respondents said the Government should contribute more to the cost of childcare, while 41 per cent said employers should do more. Only 16 per cent said the cost was the parent's responsibility.

Almost half (49 per cent) of those surveyed said they believed childcare provision had improved over the past three years. However, almost a quarter (23 per cent) said it had not improved. The survey also found that mothers were more likely to perceive an improvement than fathers (56 per cent compared with 42 per cent).

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