New report sheds light on what parents want from childcare

Parents prioritise ‘warmth of care giving’ at a childcare facility over other factors despite costs, a new report finds.

The Centre for Independent Studies research finds a “misalignment between government and parents” in childcare priorities. Picture: iStock

Parents prioritise “warmth of care giving” over the early learning capability or staff qualifications of a childcare facility, despite these requirements driving up childcare costs, a new report finds.

The Centre for Independent Studies research finds a “misalignment between government and parents” in childcare priorities after a report published Wednesday revealed half the parents receiving Australia’s $8 billion in annual childcare subsidies for formal care would prefer their child in a less formal setting such as grandparents, friends and family daycare.

CIS Education Program director and report co-author Dr Fiona Mueller said the YouGov survey of 521 working mothers found that 60 per cent of mothers rated “warmth of care” in their top three childcare priorities, followed by location (56 per cent) and cost (48 per cent).

“Only nine per cent said childcare staff qualifications were the most important factor, and only 32 per cent even had it in their top three concerns, while only 34 per cent felt the educational aspect was among the most important factors,” Dr Mueller said. “Yet these factors have driven massive increases in cost in the sector in recent years.”

She said given the $8 billion a year taxpayers provide for formal childcare, current policy didn’t match parent preference.

“There is arguably a misalignment between governments and parents when it comes to priorities for childcare,” the report says. “Governments should reassess the value of the National Quality Framework and particularly the staffing rules that drive up the cost of formal childcare.”

The report also found that parents “view informal childcare as a substitute for formal childcare, in contrast to governments which treat formal and informal childcare very differently.”

“Parents are likely to hold this view because using informal care can equally facilitate their participation in the workforce,” the report said, arguing that government assistance for informal care would give parents greater choice regarding workforce participation.

Dr Mueller said the survey also found that 46 per cent of mothers would work more hours if childcare was more affordable.

“The economic and social impact of this increased workforce participation could be substantial,” she said.