Researchers at the Institute of Education studied 4,800 UK children and found that children looked after by grandparents at nine months had more behavioural problems at age three than those who had been cared for by nurseries, crèches, childminders, nannies or another family member.
The problems were seen in children of all social backgrounds who were looked after by grandparents, with boys having particular problems in relating to other children.
Researchers Kirstine Hansen and Denise Hawkes also found children who had been in nurseries and crèches at nine months achieved higher scores in colour, shapes, letters and number assessments aged three than those looked after by grandparents, childminders, family members or friends.
The researchers pointed out that grandparent childcarers receive no allowances, tax breaks, grants, support or training unless they register as a childminder, which involves also looking after a non-related child.
"Perhaps a more flexible approach which offers training and support for informal carers should be considered rather than encouraging them down the formal care routes," said Hansen.
The study's findings are reported in the Journal of Social Policy today.
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