NCAS Conference: Employers urged to provide childcare

Around 130,000 two-year-olds from the 20 per cent most disadvantaged households became eligible last month for 15 hours of free childcare a week. But that figure is set to increase next year when the offer extends to 40 per cent of households.

Speaking at an event at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Harrogate, 4Children head of early years Sue Robb said that ensuring there are enough places for two-year-olds is “one of the biggest challenges” for the early years sector.

Robb told delegates that government representatives have visited businesses in France that provide childcare facilities on-site.

“Businesses can do more to invest in early years and see what’s in it for them,” she said.

“It can be beneficial for them if their employees are able to have childcare available on the premises.”

Sue Shanks, a delegate at the event and lead member for children and young people at Brighton Council, called for the idea to be pursued by government.

“If it is working in France, it is something we should be looking into here as well,” she said.

Robb said there is also great potential for schools to provide childcare for two-year-olds. “The push to make better use of schools is really interesting,” she said.

“Quite a few schools are starting to take two-year-olds and a number are looking at PFI [private finance initiative] providers to support it.

“I would say that as long as the quality is absolutely correct, and the environment is right for two-year-olds, it’s a good thing.

“Schools can be very daunting for two-year-olds, but the environment in the ones I have visited has been superb.”

Future provision of childcare is a hot political issue at the moment. Last month, Labour said it would legislate to force primary schools to guarantee childcare.

By ensuring schools remain open and willing to look after children from 8am to 6pm, the theory is that parents can commit to working longer hours.

Robb said the idea of 8am to 6pm schools was “something to watch”.

Anne Goldsmith, director of children’s services in Wigan, said that standards must remain a priority as the two-year-old offer is extended.

“Are some of the providers as au fait with the evidence and research as they should be?" she said. “It is something we need to keep an eye on.

“There needs to be training and development to ensure quality.

"You can have nice contemporary buildings, but that's not what helps children develop – it is the quality of interactions and the skill in which people manage those children.”