• Press |
• Paying for childcare |
• Employers |
• NAFIS |
• Find us on Facebook |
• Twitter

• home
• about us
• parent information
• Policy, Campaigns & Research
• membership
• training & consultancy

Share this page Was this page useful?   Yes | No

Survey shows strong support from childcare providers for Early Years Foundation Stage

6 July 2010

• Impact of recession means decreased demand for places.
• Continued support from local authorities needed.
• Childcare providers feel ‘unheard and undervalued'.

Daycare Trust, the national childcare charity, today launches research showing the popularity of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The London Childcare Providers Survey, which almost 300 childcare providers responded to, showed 70% of respondents believe that the EYFS has had a positive impact on the childcare sector.

The survey, which is part of Daycare Trust's London Childcare Provider's Network project, funded by London councils, was completed by childminders, nurseries, crèches, out of school clubs and full daycare settings from 31 different London boroughs, representing at least 570 settings across the capital.

The survey also explored the impact of the recession on childcare settings, with the largest impact reported to be decreased demand for places, which 40% of respondents reported, along with increased running costs (36%).

The importance of strong relationships with local authorities was another key message from providers, with 68% of respondents stating that communications with their local authority were either good or very good, and borough level provider network meetings topping the list as the most effective way to link with other providers. However many respondents, in particular childminders, expressed views of feeling isolated, undervalued, and unheard, suggesting more must be done to ensure that their voices are heard.

Alison Garnham, Chief Executive of 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 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, and Daycare Trust will be campaigning to ensure that London's children, parents, and providers receive the childcare support that they deserve."   

The findings are being presented at today's annual London Childcare Provider's Forum event, where childcare professionals from across London will gather to discuss the key issues affecting them, and be addressed by representatives from the Department of Education, London Assembly, London Councils and UNISON amongst others.

Ends.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The 2010 London Childcare Providers survey was carried out online during June 2010, and distributed through the Daycare Trust e-bulletin and website, Pre-school Learning Alliance; National Day Nurseries Association; National Childminding Association; 4Children; and local Family Information Services.
2. 284 responses were received, from 31 out of 33 local authorities in London, including 40 from Southwark and 39 from Havering.
3. The breakdown of respondents was as follows:

   Childminder	122 (43%)
   Full day care	96 (34%)
   Sessional care/crèche	51 (18%)
   Out-of-school/holiday clubs	32 (11%)
   Nursery school /class	19 (7%)

4. The 'London childcare providers network' is funded by London Councils, and coordinated by Daycare Trust, in collaboration with the Pre-school Learning Alliance. The project began on 1 September 2008 and will continue until 31 August 2012. For more information visit: www.daycaretrust.org.uk/london

ABOUT DAYCARE TRUST

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers.  We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues.  We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities.  We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. 

Daycare Trust runs an Information Line  on 0845 872 6251, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm, Wed 2.00pm-5.00pm (only). Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk and www.payingforchildcare.org.uk for information.

Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty: www.endchildpoverty.org.uk.

For further information, contact press office at Daycare Trust on 020 7940 7525 (out of hours 07796 886 648).

© 2012 Daycare Trust. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions | Contact us | Accessibility statement | Sitemap | Text Only
Registered charity, no. 327279. Company no. 02063604. VAT registered, no. 830 9847 06.