Abstract:

This report argues that the [British] Government's objective for childcare should be a system that promotes child development, supports complex family lives, and enables parental employment as the best route out of poverty. However, the authors argue, without significant increases in spending over the coming years it is difficult to see how the Government can shape a childcare and early years system that combines quality, affordability and appropriateness for all children and families. Each family's childcare needs are likely to be various and shifting, within a childcare market characterised by a diversity of providers. Therefore, we need a policy approach and funding system that reflects both this context and our progressive goals.