"Grossly under-resourced" community and voluntary child care services mean families in disadvantaged areas cannot make the most of the economic boom, the authors of a new report have concluded.
"Childcare and Social Inclusion" was launched yesterday by PLANET, the national network of area-based partnerships. It calls for a childcare subsidy scheme targeted at poor and socially excluded families and a childcare budget for services in disadvantaged areas.
The report also seeks a nationally recognised standard of accreditation in childcare, and calls for funding for pilot schemes in disadvantaged areas to "identify sustainable models of home-based daycare provision". It says community employment schemes should have a role in supporting childcare initiatives.
Ms Monica Cassidy of PLANET said the increasing tendency for both parents to enter the workforce was placing particular strains on families in disadvantaged areas.
"Parents on low income often cannot afford the cost of childcare and are either prevented from entering the labour force or are left impoverished as a result of the cost," perpetuating their lack of opportunity.