Families are at the very centre of the fabric of our society. They are the
'glue' that keeps us all together, through the ups and downs of life.
Therefore the poll on childcare, published today, provides useful
information about when, how and by whom we want our children minded in the
absence of their parents.
The survey, by pollsters Ipsos MORI for the Northern Ireland Child Minding
Association, reveals just how important the cost and content of childcare
packages are to parents.
As traditional families decline in size and yet expand in terms of
geographical location, the issue of who looks after children takes on
greater significance.
Many parents do not have the luxury of relying on granny and grandad to take
the kids to and from school.
A childminder - or a nursery — has become a necessity for many parents who
chose to continue with their careers. Today's survey underlined the complex
emotional and financial commitments required from parents who leave their
children with a childminder.
The survey also shows that parents value quality, training and word of mouth
above cost, although anecdotal evidence suggests cost is a major factor,
too.
Today's survey provides interesting pointers for MLAs and the Stormont
Executive when next they consider this important policy area.
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