Parents Say Staff Are Key To Quality Childcare But Poorly Paid

Most parents of children aged 0-14 pick out trained and experienced staff as the key factor to high quality childcare.

But 67% of parents think childcare staff are poorly paid, according to a new MORI survey commissioned by Daycare Trust with support from UNISON.

The survey findings are published today to mark the start of National Childcare Week 2001.

Childcare staff come out top by a long way as the most significant factor in the provision of high quality of childcare, according to parents.

70% said trained and experienced staff are the most important factor and 17% of parents say high staff to child ratios are needed; 6% state a good range of activities, games or toys and 3% prioritise good quality premises.

But while trained and experienced staff are considered a priority, two-thirds (67%) of parents think childcare staff are poorly paid, including 14% who say they are very poorly paid. Just 19% of parents believe that childcare staff are generally paid well.

Other key findings from the MORI survey include:

• 93% of parents say that affordable quality childcare should be available to all children aged twelve months or older.
• Parents say the top three improvements they want are: more affordable provision (43%), more places available (38%) and more employer support with childcare (38%).
• Most parents say it is the Government that should contribute more to the cost of childcare (60%), 41% say employers and only 16% say parents themselves.

Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said:

"Childcare staff are the key to quality services. But too often they are poorly paid - this is clearly recognised by parents. If we value children, then we must value the people who look after children and give them a good start in life. Well paid, well trained childcare staff are vital to improving the quality of childcare as services expand in the UK."

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, the UK's largest union, said:

"This survey is proof positive that parents agree with UNISON that well trained, properly rewarded child care workers are the key to a child's education and future development."

"Sadly the reality is that many child care workers earn the basic minimum wage and no matter how dedicated they may be, how can you hope to attract and retain staff, when the value placed on their work is so low?"

"Society must look ahead and acknowledge that it is in the best interests of the future prosperity of the country, to invest in the staff caring for the nation's children."

Technical details

Using its General Public Omnibus, MORI conducted a quota sample of 587 interviews with parents/guardians of children aged 0-14 years, across 189 constituency-based sampling points in Great Britain. Interviews were carried out using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing), face-to-face in respondents' homes between 22-27 March 2001. Data have been weighted to reflect the national population profile.

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity. It promotes quality affordable childcare for all and advises parents, providers, employers, trade unions and policy makers on childcare issues. Daycare Trust runs a childcare helpline for parents (020-7840 3350), open or calls Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk

National Childcare Week 2001 takes place on 20-27 May and is organised by Daycare Trust. Its theme of 'childcare voices, childcare choices' aims to highlight the importance of listening to children and parents as childcare services expand.

National Childcare Week features national and local activities including:

• new research on the benefits of childcare, particularly for children
• a national conference on balancing work and family life
• a children's photo competition
• a new guide for employers on 'childcare choices' for their staff
• local events across the country on family friendly Friday (25 May)