The cost of childcare has risen well above the rate of inflation, according to the Daycare Trust’s ninth annual childcare costs survey.
The trust found England worst hit, with the cost of a nursery place for a child over two years old having risen by 5.1% – almost double inflation. All types of childcare are now more expensive in England, although Scotland and Wales saw a fall in the cost of out-of-school care.
What the Daycare Trust thinks the government should do… |
|
According to the survey, an average parent in England working part-time can expect to spend more than half their gross earnings on a nursery place for their under-two-year-old.
And more than half (58%) of Family Information Services (69% in Wales) reported that parents have indicated a lack of childcare. Half of all local authorities reporting insufficient childcare for older children and disabled children.
Kate Goddard, senior research and policy officer, Daycare Trust, said: “We recognise childcare does cost a lot to provide, especially high quality childcare, but the problem at the moment is that the majority of that cost is passed to parents.”
HR chiefs have already warned that scrapping childcare voucher schemes will lead to a widening of the gender pay gap – the increasing cost of childcare will serve only to worsen it.
|
What working mothers say…
|
About the survey
The annual childcare costs survey is compiled from figures submitted by Family Information Services in England, Scotland and Wales. It examines by region the cost of childminders, nurseries and after-school club provision based on 25 hours’ use a week (or 15 hours for after-school clubs).
Daycare Trust has been working since 1986 to promote high-quality affordable childcare for all.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
