The Ten-Year Childcare Strategy is finding it particularly difficult to reach disadvantaged families.
People's lives are complex, and their reasons for taking particular courses of action are not easy to slot into tick boxes. Lack of affordability can cover many different issues, including lack of information about what is available.
One significant factor is definitely the Working Tax Credit and the relatively low take-up of the childcare element by families who are eligible to receive it. It is complicated, it is confusing and it obviously doesn't feel easily accessible to many parents. Paying it directly to parents rather than providers also causes problems.
So it is good news that the Treasury is re-examining the Working Tax Credit system and looking at some radical ideas for reform to simplify it and encourage more parents to claim (News, page 9). The right solution could make a huge difference to families trying to access the best formal childcare for their needs, and to the sustainability of childcare providers.
EYFS conference: last chance
There's just a few days left to sign up for Nursery World's Early Years Foundation Stage conference in Sheffield on 12 June. The two events so far in Birmingham and London have proved extremely informative, lively and stimulating, according to delegates from across the early years sector. Go now to www.eyfsconferencenorth.com.
