Childcare should not be a luxury, says report - Durham University
A lack of suitable childcare options is inflicting huge financial and emotional strain on vulnerable families, according to new research involving Durham academics.
The ‘Childcare should not be a luxury’ report is led by Health Equity North, Newcastle University and the University of Manchester.
Dr Xiaofei Qi, from our School of Education, and Dr Charmele Ayadurai, from our Business School, are co-authors.
Researchers interviewed parents and carers across North East England.
Those interviewed spoke about the sacrifices for their families, and feeling lonely, isolated and anxious when they struggled to access adequate childcare support.
Dr Qi contributed to the childcare provision and policy review. Dr Ayadurai worked on the impact of the cost of living crisis, and the alignment to child poverty.
It found that:
The report calls for childcare to be recognised as a vital part of national and regional economic infrastructure, necessary for the health and wellbeing of families and the development of the children themselves.
They are recommending:
- Conducting a regional childcare assessment.
- Expanding childcare for child development.
- Improving workforce pay and conditions.
