Childminding as the solution
Childminding is identified as part of the
solution in developing childcare provision.
A new research report, produced in Wales, has
highlighted the role childminders can play in improving childcare,
supporting parents into work and acting as a "catalyst for change"
within communities.
The research, commissioned by Hywel Williams
Member of Parliament for Arfon, involved working with parents
within the area of Peblig in Caernarfon, to examine current
childcare provision and what is required to improve this provision.
Peblig is one of the poorest wards in Wales with low average income
levels and high unemployment.
The report found that a lack of childcare was
one of the main obstacles preventing parents from working in the
area and that childcare strategies are often failing to reach those
living in the most deprived communities. Of the parents interviewed
for the report, around half would prefer to use a childminder for
their childcare provision "as long as they knew the childminder and
felt their children would benefit from a home-based setting".
Improvements
The report outlined several actions which could improve
childcare services:
- Providing information on training and support services to
residents
- Maximising existing formal childcare provision by improving
awareness of these settings and working with local initiatives such
as Want2Work
- Developing new childminding provision in the area – the report
stated that NCMA could be a key agent in improving childminding
services in the area through raising awareness, recruiting
residents and supporting potential childminders.
Hywel Williams MP said that the issues raised
by the report, and the possible solutions put forward, were equally
as relevant to other parts of Wales.
Commenting further on the report Mr. Williams
said, "What is clear is that good affordable childcare is basic to
the alleviation of poverty. Listening to the views of parents from
our poorest communities should be our main priority and acting on
their opinions should be the focus of all anti-poverty
strategies."
The report acknowledged the help provided by
NCMA Cymru Development worker for Gwynedd, Dorothy Dale.
Please contact Peter Evans at NCMA Cymru if you
would like to view a copy of the report.