#MakeChildcareWork The Childcare Problem

A Save The Children campaign

The childcare system in England isn’t working for families. Parents need childcare that gives them the choice to go back to work. But hundreds of thousands aren’t getting the help they should be. It’s a battle for mums, dads, and caregivers to get the support they’re entitled to – and that their children need to thrive. There are particular gaps in support for one and two-year olds, which can keep mothers out of work for up to 3 years.

 

Simply figuring out what they are entitled to is a big first hurdle. Almost half of parents say they have no idea or are confused about what support they should get. There are lots of different schemes and forms to fill out – it’s a nightmare to navigate. The result is that families may miss out on the childcare support they should be getting which can hinder the development of young children.

 

This campaign is about making childcare fair and easy to use. Nursery workers and childminders are doing an incredible job. But right now, our broken childcare system isn’t giving families the support they need - at the most important time in their children’s lives. We need a childcare system that gives parents choices and children the chance to build a better future. We need a childcare system that fits around families’ lives and gives parents the choice to go back to work if they want to.

 

Why Childcare?

 

Great childcare sets up young children for life - helping them to learn, express themselves and get along with other children. It’s where they learn the communication skills, and gain the confidence and curiosity that will mean they can get on once they start school.

 

If children start school behind, they are likely to stay behind as it is incredibly difficult for them to catch up. A lack of development in the early years undermines their chances of success throughout school and in life. That’s why it’s so important to get it right.

 

It also gives their parents the choice to go back to work and earn the money that will help to build an environment at home in which kids can thrive. We all know how crucial the first few years of a child’s life are. Their childhood shapes the kind of person they grow up to be. What’s more, the lives we shape for our youngest decide the kind of country we get to live in, and the future for us all.

 

How You Can Help

 

As a first step, the government needs to listen to parents’ concerns. They’ve made changes to childcare - including increasing free hours - but parents are still telling us that the system’s confusing and too expensive. We’re asking the government to make the system work. We want to hear ministers responsible for childcare in England committing to a childcare system that is high quality, affordable, easy to use and fits around families’ lives.

 

To make it happen, we’re calling on mums, dads, and caregivers to sign our petition. Together, we’re asking the government to listen to our concerns, and make childcare work for everyone.

In the past Save the Children has achieved significant coverage resulting in real change that will help drive up the quality of childcare in England – earlier this year the government committed to a new strategy to ensure there are qualified teachers in nurseries. But the next phase of our campaign will be just as crucial so we’d love your support.