Understanding Attitudes to Childcare and Childcare Language Among Low Income Parents, released by the Department for Children, Schools and Families last week, reveals a huge gulf between government discourse and the views of families.
The research found that most low-income parents have a negative view of formal childcare, as something for "career people" who don't have family help. It also highlights a high level of mistrust, particularly relating to childminders, because many parents are unsure of how they gain approval to look after other people's children.
Another concern is that government literature describing the educational benefits of childcare as "goals", "stages" and "targets" is alienating parents. As a result, parents believe staying at home with their children is a positive choice.
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