Last week, the annual survey commissioned by the DCSF of parents' usage, views and experiences of childcare was published (News, 5 June). The survey confirmed yet again that the poorest parents are not using formal childcare, and that there has been hardly any increase in the number of places. Mothers are wary of using nurseries partly because combining work and looking after children is so difficult, but even more because nurseries are expensive, and they don't think they are getting value for money.
At the same time, the dispute about whether or not there should be an agreed Early Years Foundation Stage is rumbling on. A group of independent preparatory schools has claimed it will jeopardise their freedom to work with children. But the reason the EYFS, Ofsted inspections and other regulatory requirements have been introduced is that the Government wants to set a bottom line. In a private market, there is always the possibility of cowboys using childcare to make a quick profit followed by a quick exit.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
