Childcare Challenges

Childcare Challenges by Karen Beresford

Ofsted data shows that childcare providers have been closing at a concerning rate, with almost four times more providers closing between September 2020 and March 2021 than between March and August 2020. Since the start of 2021, a third of local authorities in England have reported a rise in the number of providers in their area permanently closing.

Despite the closures, most local authorities in England have not yet seen an increase in childcare shortages. Over two thirds reported having enough childcare available to meet demand from parents working full time, compared to just over half last year (Coram March 2021).

However, this situation is most likely to be due to a drop in demand during the pandemic when more parents worked from home. As parents return to the workplace, demand is increasing again, making it harder for many to remain in their jobs.

A significant factor in the decline of childcare places has been a five per cent drop in those provided by registered childminders (Ofsted data). Coram found that childminders abandoning the sector is especially significant in rural areas and childminder availability is more scarce for parents who work atypical hours and need more flexibility. Significantly fewer than two thirds of parents working earlier morning or evening shifts reported that available childcare met their needs.

A quick scroll through Mumsnet shows many posts from parents struggling to access childcare:

‘It was so difficult to find a place in our area ... had to go to one nursery twice a week and to a different one for the third day’ reports one mother. ‘The nursery I wanted had an eighteen month waiting list,’ said another.

Parents are increasingly booking childcare in the early stages of pregnancy. In one example, a mother who was fourteen weeks pregnant registered her baby for a February 2023 start. In the North West, one mother booked a place for August 2023 when twenty weeks pregnant. It was one of the last spaces and the nursery is now fully booked for this time.

Where there is childcare, this is often not suitable. For example, a provision that runs 8am-6pm Monday to Friday means a parent can realistically work only 8.30am-5.30pm on weekdays, and that is if they have a relatively short and reliable commute. There are many jobs that fall outside those hours.

Of particular concern is the shortage of childcare places for older children. School age childcare is used by twice as many children as pre-school childcare and is essential for many working parents. With childminders closing, after-school vacancies are harder to find. One mother just about managed to work from home but now she is being called back to the workplace she can't find anyone to drop off and pick up her children. Parents also report that many activities for children in the holidays run 9am to 3pm and cost around £200 per child. This is difficult to cover and fund.

For families with different aged children, some pre-school and others of school age, trying to find provision for before and after school, as well as full day care, is a particular challenge. Parents cannot always find a nursery that is within reachable distance of work, home and their older children’s school.

Access to childcare is important, both to support paid work and help shape young children’s development. As places become harder to find, parents who are considering looking for a childcare place may be wise to start the search sooner rather than later to find a space.

OTHER OPTIONS

Nanny shares work well for thousands of families. Offering flexible, home-based childcare, they can work out as a cost-effective alternative to nursery care. Parents become employers so check out the responsibilities first at www.childcare.co.uk/information/nanny-shares

Two fifths of grandparents have provided regular childcare for their grandchildren, according to a YouGov poll for Age UK, with the best arrangements based on mutual respect and understanding. Grandparents who are regularly looking after their grandchildren can claim National Insurance credits to top up their state pension. More at www.informationnow.org.uk/article/grandparent-issues

Karen Beresford is a childcare expert at Your Employee Wellbeing www.youremployeewellbeing.co.uk

Should government do more?

Research by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that between 2008 and 2016 the cost of a 1 year old’s nursery provision grew four times faster than wages in England. In London, it was more than seven times faster.

Working parents say the government’s inadequate childcare policies leave them financially crippled and held back in their careers. A wide-ranging study shows that overwhelmingly parents believe that ministers are not doing enough to support childcare costs and availability and that childcare in the UK is too expensive.

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