Families count the cost of childcare struggles

A LACK of suitable childcare is having a “huge financial and emotional strain” on the North East’s most vulnerable families, new analysis has warned.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Research released yesterday lays bare the situation faced by many households across the region as parents and carers struggle to find the childcare they need and are left feeling isolated, facing huge costs and with knock-on effects for their own jobs and their children's education.

The study from academics at Health Equity North, Newcastle University and The University of Manchester details the plight of North East parents forced to make cutbacks to meet the cost of childcare, experiencing a “loss of identity” as they have little time for themselves beyond work and childcare, and struggling to claim childcare support.

It adds that many parents also face a “chicken or egg” dilemma where they need to be in employment in order to access the childcare support they need in order to get and keep a job, while providers are under “significant pressure” as they struggle to find and retain qualified staff.