Contents
1 The economic impact of childcare
Impact of childcare policy on productivity
Does childcare support increase employment rates?
Alternative policies to increase supply of parents in the labour market
The economic contribution of stay-at-home parents
2 The design of Government’s childcare schemes
Summary of Government childcare schemes and aims
Conflict between policy objectives
Universal credit, tax credits, and the Government’s policy objectives
Gaps in the Government’s childcare schemes
Access to childcare support while in training
Support for those not yet in employment
3 Identified problems within childcare policy implementation
Tax-Free Childcare low level of take up
Lack of awareness and perception of costs
The childcare services website and inadequate guidance tools
Difficulties in choosing the right scheme
4 Funding of 30-hours free childcare
Shortcomings of data used to support level of funding
Potential unintended consequences
Administrative issues faced by providers as a result of 30-hours scheme
5 Tax-Free Childcare replacing childcare vouchers
Conclusions and recommendations
List of Reports from the Committee during the current Parliament
25 March 2018