An open letter calling for the Government to increase early years funding and improve its communication with parents has been signed by LEYF, the Fatherhood Institute and campaigner Kate Dyson of The Motherload.
Published by Plum, a smart money app, the letter demands a better deal for parents with early years provision and support in the UK.
It follows a survey of over 1, 000 parents of young children carried out by Plum, which reveals:
- Three out of four (74 per cent) respondents have seen their childcare bill increase in the last year.
- 57 per cent feel the Government needs to do more to help parents.
- More than two-thirds say the cost of childcare has affected how much they work.
- One in three say the cost of childcare has put them off having another child.
- More than two-thirds are confused about what support they will be entitled to once the extended entitlement comes in from April.
Respondents also highlighted concerns surrounding providers’ abilities to meet increased demand for places with the roll-out of the expanded offer, as well as being able to find suitable staff and meet staff: child ratios.
