Plans to give working parents of three- and four-year-olds access to 30 hours of free childcare a week will not work unless the scheme is properly funded and childcare providers are encouraged to offer greater flexibility, says the UK’s leading advice charity.
Citizens Advice is warning that many working parents who need the scheme most could miss out if the new childcare bill, which goes before parliament this week, is not properly thought out. The charity reveals that requests for advice about early-years provision have doubled over the past year, reflecting mounting strains on working parents.
Research to be published by Citizens Advice this month, based on interviews with working parents, suggests that inadequate childcare provision can have a significant impact on those trying to juggle a job with a family.
This can mean working parents having to reduce their hours and see a cut in household income, damage to long term career goals as progression at work is held back, and strain on relationships if friends or family members are asked to step in and look after children.
“The lives of working parents are being held hostage by childcare,” said Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice. “As the number of in-work parents rises, it is vital that the childcare market adapts to meet demand. The growth of fluctuating work patterns means many parents need more flexible arrangements. Employers’ understanding and flexibility are also crucial.”
Previous analysis of the childcare market by Citizens Advice showed that almost a quarter of providers do not offer parents the current 15 hours’ free provision, while three-quarters do not provide evening or weekend care.
The analysis also revealed an acute squeeze on places. About 40% of childcare providers reported that they did not have any spaces available.
“Without the right childcare in place, parents’ work choices are limited, which can make it harder for them to support their family,” Guy said. “It is good news that free childcare is being extended, but providers must be properly funded to offer the 30 hours per week. The government also needs to work with childcare providers to deliver more flexibility, to fit around people’s changing working lives.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We are committed to helping hardworking families with the cost of childcare. Extending free childcare will make it more affordable for working parents and build a stronger economy by allowing providers to expand and helping new ones to enter the market.
“We understand the importance of providing a sustainable rate of funding, which is why we have already committed to increasing the amount of funding providers will receive.”
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This article was amended on 9 June 2015 to add a quote from the Department for Education.
