Childcare services failing to meet needs of ethnic minority families

Black and minority ethnic families are facing barriers to using childcare, including cost, lack of flexibility and access to information, according to a report from the Daycare Trust, the National Childcare Charity.

‘Ensuring Equality: Black and Minority Ethnic Families’ Views on Childcare’ reveals that childcare services need to be more focused on the needs of black and minority ethnic families. The research shows evidence of greater childcare use across all ethnic backgrounds following the government’s greater investment in childcare. But use of childcare varies depending on ethnic background. Black families are most likely to use formal childcare, and Asian families the least likely to use any childcare at all. By contrast, white families are most likely to use informal care.

In order to meet the needs of black and minority ethnic families, the report states that flexible provision should be made for families that work unusual hours, that staff represent and understand different cultures, and that information is readily available and accessible.

Alison Garnham, joint-chief executive of Daycare Trust, said ‘The growth in use of childcare is very promising, but this report reveals that black and minority ethnic families are less likely to be accessing good quality early years services. Research has shown that black and minority ethnic families are more likely to be experiencing disadvantage and good quality early years provision can support them in overcoming that disadvantage. Government needs to act now to ensure equality of access for all families.’

Visit the Daycare Trust website