Nursery World - Childcare provision falls far behind need

Urgent Government investment is needed if Wales is to transform its 'woefully inadequate' provision of childcare, a report claimed last week. Research by Welsh think-tank the Bevan Foundation found that there are 3,600 registered childcare places in Wales, equivalent to one place for every seven children aged under eight.

Research by Welsh think-tank the Bevan Foundation found that there are 3,600 registered childcare places in Wales, equivalent to one place for every seven children aged under eight.

In areas where demand for childcare is high, this figure increases to one place for every 20 children - and this includes childminders, day nurseries and out-of-school provision.

Victoria Winckler, director of the Bevan Foundation, said that in the disadvantaged community of Merthyr Tydfil there are only 497 childcare places and 14 registered childminders to cater for 5,800 children under eight.

She said, 'The areas where children are most likely to live in poverty and where parents are less likely to work offer the least help to tackle family poverty and get parents into jobs.'

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