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'Involve providers in planning strategies'

Areport by a leading children's charity on the impact of Government initiatives upon childcare has recommended that parents and providers be more actively involved in the preparation of childcare strategies. The report, Opportunity for Childcare?, by Save the Children development officer Elaine Johnston and Simon Rahilly from Liverpool John Moores University, looked at parents' and providers' concerns relating to childcare in two contrasting areas of Liverpool.

The report, Opportunity for Childcare?, by Save the Children development officer Elaine Johnston and Simon Rahilly from Liverpool John Moores University, looked at parents' and providers' concerns relating to childcare in two contrasting areas of Liverpool.

The report said, 'Some parents highlighted the need to work, for increased income and for affordable childcare. Others emphasised issues such as the quality of the care, often expressing reluctance to have anyone outside their family providing childcare. Arguably, Government policies and initiatives need to support a range of possible forms of childcare provision to enable parents to have genuine choices.'

Parents said they wanted more information and reassurance about the quality of provision, which was a critical factor in choosing childcare arrangements. Those with children in formal childcare tended to say they were satisfied with the quality of provision. One said, 'I want my child to be happy and secure. That's the main issue.'

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