How accessible is child care today?

The Government's 10-year child care strategy and the Childcare Act 2006 have established the framework for improving the provision of good quality child care for parents who need it in the UK. The number of day places for child care has increased, especially for full-time care and out-of-school clubs. There is now one place for every three children aged under eight years, but much needs to be done before care is available to all parents who need it. The cost of child care has risen above inflation and care for one child currently costs about one-third of the weekly earnings of a mother on an average wage. This puts child care beyond the reach of some low-income parents. There is a shortage of places for children with disabilities and for children of parents working outside normal office hours. Although efforts are being made to establish a better qualified and professional child care workforce, low pay and status make it difficult to recruit and retain suitable, high quality staff. More investment is needed in day care to bring the UK up to the level of Scandinavian countries.