Report

Solving the childcare challenge

Think tank: Centre for Policy Studies

Author(s): Elizabeth Dunkley

May 16, 2022

This report from UK think tank the Centre for Policy Studies looks at a solution that would deliver for families and the economy.

Unaffordable childcare has disastrous social and economic consequences, as women leave the workforce to avoid extortionate childcare costs; this is a hammer blow to equality and national productivity. This CPS briefing paper puts forward a threefold solution that would deliver for families and the economy while bringing the country in line with its European neighbours. It argues that we should copy French rather than Scottish childcare ratios; consider making the Early Years Foundation Stage voluntary rather than compulsory; and rejuvenate the childminding sector by cutting red tape. The added bonus: implementing them would not burden the taxpayer with any additional cost.