A Welsh charity is calling for a simplified and expanded childcare system, with universal provision for all children. A new report, published today by Wales’ leading gender equality charity Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales, recommends that the next Welsh Government should invest in building a flexible, streamlined system that would reduce poverty, promote child development, and boost employment.
Childcare costs in Wales are now the highest in the UK, following the rollout of a new offer in England for working parents. The current system is seen by parents as disjointed, complicated, and difficult to access, and funded childcare for children under three and families on the lowest incomes is very limited.
The report makes clear that the solution is not for Wales to copy what has been done in England – both current systems have significant shortcomings. A uniquely Welsh solution is needed for families and the early years workforce to get what they deserve – high-quality, sustainable, and flexible childcare provision, with fair pay and working conditions for staff.
The report, based on research with over 780 parents in Wales and expert stakeholders working on childcare, provides a comprehensive analysis of what a better system in Wales would look like. The first step is to target investment where it will make the biggest impact. WEN Wales’ research shows that those who would benefit most from affordable, high-quality provision are families on low incomes. Introducing a universal element of 15 hours a week at minimum, with means-tested additional support of up to 35 hours per week based on household income, could help lift these families out of poverty and give disadvantaged children a better start in life.
A key aspect of the report’s recommendation is that the universal element would apply to all children, whether their parents are in work or not. Lack of affordable and accessible childcare disproportionately affects women, as they shoulder an unequal share of childcare. On average, women in the UK spend 45 hours per week looking after a child – twice as many as men. Many parents expressed that this limits their employment opportunities. A parent described skipping meals regularly because they have so little income, after being forced to leave work to take care of their child.
A lack of flexibility in current provision also limits parents’ employment opportunities, and makes it difficult for some families to access their entitlements. More support is needed for providers to deliver childcare flexibly, in a way that enables parents to thrive in their working lives and children to flourish. WEN Wales’ report recommends providing integrated services to support families in the round – with a single point of contact, co-located, and within reach of disadvantaged communities.
Providers should be paid in line with the cost of actual delivery, with suitable funding for provision in identified underserved areas – often rural or deprived – and for children who are disabled or have additional needs.
Women’s Equality Network Wales Director Victoria Vasey said:
“Childcare is at a crossroads, and now is the time for a transformation. This report proposes a new approach to the childcare and early education system in Wales that will help lift families out of poverty, give children a better start in life, and increase economic activity in Wales – particularly for women, who still spend on average twice as many hours per week looking after children than men.
“A universal core entitlement to childcare with the addition of a means-tested element would target investment where it will make the most impact – on disadvantaged families and communities. It’s also crucial that providers’ ability to deliver streamlined, flexible provision is appropriately supported, to make the system work for parents’ working lives, and for the wellbeing of children and families as a whole.
“All parties should consider this as they build their plans and make pledges ahead of 2026 Senedd election.”
Bevan Foundation CEO Steffan Evans, contributor, said:
“This report provides yet further evidence that the current approach to childcare in Wales is not fit for purpose. A well-designed and functioning childcare system is a key tool in tackling poverty and inequality. It is vital that whichever party or parties forms the next Welsh Government takes forward the recommendations put forward by WEN and others to develop a childcare system that truly addresses poverty.”
Children in Wales Deputy CEO and Policy Director Sean O'Neill, contributor, said:
“We have long called for the rights and developmental need of babies, children and young people to be at the very centre of a much-improved childcare system for Wales. Quality, accessible and affordable child-centred childcare, delivered by a well-paid and highly valued workforce should be seen as a top priority for the next Welsh Government, if we are serious about resolving the challenges and barriers parents face, and which this report rightly highlights.”
