Menu
21/05/2012
Report Call For Childcare Overhaul
A new report has said that childcare in the UK needs to be overhauled to make it more affordable.
According to the report by MP Elizabeth Truss, for the CentreForum think tank, the average family spends more than a quarter (27%) of income on childcare.
The Conservative MP argued that regulation should be simplified and childminders allowed to care for more children at a time, to attract higher-paid staff.
But critics have said that this could put the quality of childcare at risk.
The MP said that recent studies had shown widespread problems with quality, price and availability.
Ms Truss, MP for South West Norfolk, said the number of nursery places had increased since 1996 but that childminder places had dropped drastically in the same period to 245,000 in 2010.
The report calls for childminders to be allowed to take on more children at one time.
Under current rules there has to be one minder for every three children aged five or younger, but the report says this ratio should be changed to one adult for every five children aged five or under.
It also called for a single funding system and for childminders to be able to register with a local agency, nursery or network which would take responsibility for inspection and training and be regulated by Ofsted.
"The coalition government has a great opportunity to simplify the provision of childcare and get better value for money for parents," Ms Truss said.
"Reform could lead to an increase in availability of flexible childcare and an end to spiralling costs."
(H)
According to the report by MP Elizabeth Truss, for the CentreForum think tank, the average family spends more than a quarter (27%) of income on childcare.
The Conservative MP argued that regulation should be simplified and childminders allowed to care for more children at a time, to attract higher-paid staff.
But critics have said that this could put the quality of childcare at risk.
The MP said that recent studies had shown widespread problems with quality, price and availability.
Ms Truss, MP for South West Norfolk, said the number of nursery places had increased since 1996 but that childminder places had dropped drastically in the same period to 245,000 in 2010.
The report calls for childminders to be allowed to take on more children at one time.
Under current rules there has to be one minder for every three children aged five or younger, but the report says this ratio should be changed to one adult for every five children aged five or under.
It also called for a single funding system and for childminders to be able to register with a local agency, nursery or network which would take responsibility for inspection and training and be regulated by Ofsted.
"The coalition government has a great opportunity to simplify the provision of childcare and get better value for money for parents," Ms Truss said.
"Reform could lead to an increase in availability of flexible childcare and an end to spiralling costs."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2013
Proposal Will Allow Childminders To Accept More Children
New proposals will allow nurseries and childminders in England to look after more children, providing carers qualifications meet new standards. The proposals, due to come into effect in the autumn, would make more childcare places available and reduce costs for parents in the "long term", children's minister Liz Truss has said.
Proposal Will Allow Childminders To Accept More Children
New proposals will allow nurseries and childminders in England to look after more children, providing carers qualifications meet new standards. The proposals, due to come into effect in the autumn, would make more childcare places available and reduce costs for parents in the "long term", children's minister Liz Truss has said.
07 September 2011
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
15 July 2003
Childcare charges rise over summer holidays
Families face a huge rise in the cost of summer holiday childcare, according to a new survey published today by the national childcare charity, Daycare Trust. The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer holiday play scheme is set to rise by 16%, according to the report. Currently, the typical cost for childcare is £67.
Childcare charges rise over summer holidays
Families face a huge rise in the cost of summer holiday childcare, according to a new survey published today by the national childcare charity, Daycare Trust. The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer holiday play scheme is set to rise by 16%, according to the report. Currently, the typical cost for childcare is £67.
17 November 2008
Police 'Wanted Baby P Placed In Care'
Police wanted Baby P placed in care, but social services persuaded them to have the child returned to his mother, it has been alleged.
Police 'Wanted Baby P Placed In Care'
Police wanted Baby P placed in care, but social services persuaded them to have the child returned to his mother, it has been alleged.
28 May 2014
Five Million Children Could Be In Poverty By 2020
A record five million children in the UK could be trapped in poverty by 2020, according to new research by Save the Children.
Five Million Children Could Be In Poverty By 2020
A record five million children in the UK could be trapped in poverty by 2020, according to new research by Save the Children.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. A cold night with some ground frost. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
