Affordable childcare is a key equality issue

Delivering affordable childcare is fundamental to building a fairer and more prosperous society.

A society in which children receive the best start in life, within which women can participate in the work force on an equal basis, and where hard-working families aren’t struggling every month to meet the cost of their childcare.

However, the harsh reality is that for many on this island childcare is unaffordable. Survey after survey is demonstrating the real cost of childcare in the North, with some parents paying more than £540 a month, though in reality many are paying substantially more than this.

Families are being pushed to breaking point. How do we even start to measure the impact this is having on their mental health, relationships, careers, never mind the agonising decisions on whether or not to add to or start their family.

At the moment, we have far too many parents – primarily women – having to decline opportunities for more hours and more responsibility, undermining progress in their careers and many are being forced to leave the workforce or are unable to even enter the workforce at all.

All of this is happening at a time when over three quarters of our employers in the North are reporting skills gaps and shortages. 

There is a contrast between the high level of job vacancies in the North and the lack of affordable childcare that would enable parents, especially women, to benefit from these employment opportunities.

For many, the days when a family can survive on a single wage are gone, with most households now relying on both parents working. Many grandparents, who at a time may have helped ease the childcare burden, are now having to work longer themselves and having to deal with the rising cost of living. 

That’s why the provision of affordable childcare is not only an issue for many working families, but for society as a whole. The provision of childcare is important in unlocking significant economic potential.

If we want an economy that benefits workers and families, we need to invest in policies that enable sustainable economic development to take place.

A comprehensive childcare strategy must be part of that economic plan. We need to focus on the sustainability of our providers – themselves a major employer of women – and the enhancement of employment terms and conditions for childcare workers. Both are essential if we are serious about delivering high quality childcare.

Promises of free childcare in Britain have failed to deliver for families and workers. Tory Government underfunding of their own scheme has meant many nurseries in England have opted out or have had to close. It has also undermined standards in childcare.

Research by the Early Years Alliance, England’s largest representative organisation for childcare providers, found that 42% of members already have full waiting lists for the proposed new places. We must not repeat those mistakes here. 

Delivering the highest possible quality of provision, capable of meeting the complex needs of children with special educational needs must be also be a priority. 

Sinn Féin are committed to giving our children the best start in life. High quality childcare can be an effective tool in tackling disadvantage by improving outcomes for children and making employment more accessible for parents.

Sinn Féin want to see a childcare system, north and south, that delivers for parents and providers right across this island, that is why we are determined to work with others in a re-established Executive to make childcare affordable. 

Cathy Mason is a Sinn Féin MLA for South Down, and Assembly spokesperson for Childcare and Tourism.