Mothers say that cutting free childcare places will cost votes

The childcare charity and the Bounty Parenting Club surveyed 2,500 mothers and asked how the political parties' childcare policies would affect their voting in the General Election.

They found that the 12.5 hours free childcare a week that all three- and four-year-olds are entitled to is the most important childcare policy for mothers, with 69 per cent saying they would be less likely to vote for a party that reduced or removed the free entitlement.

The survey also revealed that a removal or reduction in tax credits would make 67 per cent of mothers less likely to vote for a party that cut them.

Mothers also championed Sure Start Children's Centres and the Child Trust Fund, with 54 per cent and 57 per cent respectively saying that any party that failed to protect these initiatives would suffer at the polls.

Alison Garnham, chief executive of Daycare Trust said,  'Our survey shows that any party hoping for success at this election must prove they are serious about giving families the support they need, and set out a clear commitment to invest in childcare.'

She added that 'it is firm policy promises on issues such as flexible working, more financial help with childcare, and improved childcare provision that will not only win votes but also really deliver support for families.'

In the wake of the survey, the Daycare Trust has published its childcare charter, outlining the policies that it argues will make a real difference to families. These are: