Childcare Expansion Challenges
The founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, a parenting charity, has expressed concerns about the government’s promised expansion of free childcare and its potential impact on families.
Survey Findings
- Only 35% of parents in England believe the childcare schemes will reduce their costs.
- 37.1% of parents had to resort to borrowing money to cover childcare expenses.
- The median saving for families from the new schemes is estimated to be between £100 – £120 annually.
Provider Costs and Funding Issues
Childcare providers are raising additional costs outside of funded hours, leading to financial challenges for families. The government’s funding may not cover the full cost of delivering childcare services.
Workforce Challenges
There is a shortage of childcare professionals, with concerns about recruitment and retention due to low wages and high workload.
Advocacy for Change
Pregnant Then Screwed is advocating for increased funding for childcare entitlements to ensure sustainability and quality in the sector.
Impact on Families
The uncertainty surrounding childcare policies and funding can have a significant impact on families, highlighting the need for clear and effective solutions.
Advocacy and Campaigning Efforts
Joeli Brearley’s grassroots efforts with Pregnant Then Screwed have influenced legislative acts and policy discussions, emphasizing the importance of parental leave, childcare, and flexible working arrangements.
Community Building
Building a supportive community of parents and caregivers has been key to raising awareness and driving change in the childcare sector.
Policy Recommendations
The charity continues to push for policy changes, including paternity leave for fathers and addressing pregnancy and maternity discrimination.
Long-Term Advocacy
Efforts to address systemic issues like maternity discrimination require sustained advocacy and policy changes over time.
