The charity, which surveyed 202 parents in England, found 58 per cent of parents struggle to pay for the fees required to secure a place in a childcare setting, or even a place on that setting's waiting list. Costs can include advance fees, deposits, retainers and administration fees.
According to the report Childcare Advance, with typical weekly childcare costs currently at £167 per week, four weeks' fees in advance would mean that parents had to pay £668 when they took up a place.
The Daycare Trust is urging the government to pilot a Childcare Advance programme, offering interest-free loans to help parents cover up-front costs.
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