Nursery World - Parents prefer family carers

Parents rely heavily on informal childcare, with two-thirds saying that their children's grandparents have been the main providers, a survey conducted for the Scottish Executive has found. Calling for 'a coherent national childcare policy', the report Parents Access to and Demand for Childcare in Scotland said, 'The greater use and preference for informal childcare suggests that at least part of the focus of policy must be on assisting informal provision.'

Calling for 'a coherent national childcare policy', the report Parents Access to and Demand for Childcare in Scotland said, 'The greater use and preference for informal childcare suggests that at least part of the focus of policy must be on assisting informal provision.'

The report, compiled by NFO Research and DTZ Pieda Consulting, said, 'Informal providers could be offered some basic childcare training and more flexible employment or benefits packages to try to develop more quality informal care.'

Ian McLaughlan, chief executive of the Scottish Pre-School Play Association, said 'Basic training in childcare for family members would be helpful in some cases.' He cited the SPPA's involvement in Sure Start projects as 'an excellent vehicle to develop the skills of parents and carers'.

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