Among the problems cited for the National Childcare Strategy not delivering all that was planned are market failure because new provision will not be sustainable, particularly in the disadvantaged areas where it is most needed; the complex and unco-ordinated nature of funding streams; and the recruitment crisis, which means that many providers cannot find the staff they need to expand and cannot pay more attractive wages to draw people in.
Yet all these 'challenges' have been predicted and then bemoaned by those in the early years sector as the National Childcare Strategy has unrolled. Some of the solutions proposed by the review include subsidy structures and sustainability grants - likely to maintain the complications of the system and to continue to avoid the need for more direct public funding of provision if we are really to give children the universal, high-quality care needed.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here