The London Childcare Providers Survey carried out by the childcare charity found that 70 per cent of early years settings in the capital believe that the EYFS has had a positive impact on the early years and childcare sector.
More than 570 nurseries, childminders, crèches and out-of-school clubs took part in the survey, which is part of the Daycare Trust’s London Childcare Providers’ Network project and funded by London Councils.
Providers were also asked questions about how the recession was affecting their business. Forty per cent of settings surveyed said that the biggest impact had been a fall in demand for places, followed by an increase in running costs for 36 per cent of respondents.
The survey also found that while 68 per cent of providers felt that their local authority was good or very good at communicating with them, many – particularly childminders – felt isolated and undervalued and said they were not being listened to.
Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Daycare Trust, said, ‘The results of our survey show that the Early Years Foundation Stage has bedded well into the sector, and is benefiting children and providers alike. Those critics of the EYFS should heed these findings, as they suggest that their views are not shared by those working most closely with the framework.’
‘The fact that providers are feeling the impact of the recession so strongly, and in many cases continue to feel so undervalued and isolated, demonstrates that a strong voice for childcare in London is needed now more than ever. The scrapping of the LDA childcare team and the proposed closure of the Government Office for London have worrying implications for the future of childcare in the capital.’
The findings were presented on Tuesday (6 July) at the annual London Childcare Providers’ Forum event, with childcare professionals from across London met to discuss the key issues affecting them. Speakers included representatives from the Department for Education, the London Assembly, London Councils and Unison.
