The Equalise Care theme submitted written evidence to the Education Committee Inquiry on Early years: improving support for children and parents on 10th October 2025.
Executive summary
- Research shows that navigating the childcare market is often stressful and costly for parents. Studies highlight that parents of children under the age of three face limited and expensive options, and reliance on formal childcare is linked to higher parenting stress, especially among mothers.
- Affordability and access challenges are unevenly distributed. Migrant families, single parents, and those in deprived areas encounter difficulties in balancing childcare needs with employment.
- To address these challenges, the government may wish to consider expanding affordable childcare provision, particularly for families with children under three. The government could also explore ways to enhance financial support for single-parent and low-income households, and to recognise and support intergenerational care while ensuring the wellbeing of grandparents is safeguarded.
- Informal childcare, particularly support from grandparents, is a vital part of the UK childcare system. Studies show it increases mothers’ labour market participation and enables families in deprived areas to access work and training. However, providing intensive or regular childcare can place physical and emotional demands on grandparents, which may negatively affect their own health and wellbeing.
The response was prepared by the Equalise Care theme with contributions from:
- Enrico Pfeifer, Research Assistant
- Professor Anne McMunn, Professor of Social Epidemiology
- Dr Baowen Xue, Lecturer in Quantitative Methods & Social Epidemiology
- Professor Yvonne Kelly, Professor of Lifecourse Epidemiology
- Audrey Tan, Impact Manager
We would be pleased to speak further about our response. Please contact Enrico Pfeifer (enrico.pfeifer@ucl.ac.uk).