Good childcare is often the difference between a child growing up in poverty or a family being able to live a fuller live and thrive. It can help children grow in confidence, and imagine a better future. We need to ensure that funding is more accessible for all, and that we consider the barriers that many face, particularly when trying to find employment.

Childcare plays a crucial role in supporting children’s development learning, and wellbeing. However, the challenges confronting childcare provision are significant: both families and childcare providers have been profoundly affected by the cost of living crisis. This report underscores the pressing need to address the escalating childcare cost crisis, which adversely impacts parents, childcare providers, and broader societal wellbeing.

This study has made it clear that it’s time to start focusing on parents with different set of resources namely income as they face very different options for the care of their young children. Childcare policies and programs should be better organised to support the dual roles of parents as providers and nurturers. This will reduce the stressors involved as parents can balance their efforts better to provide economically for their children while ensuring that their children are getting the nurturing they deserve for a strong start in life.