Daycare Trust: More action needed to tackle child poverty

Responding to the publication of the latest government figures on child poverty which show that 100,000 more children are in poverty, bringing the total number of children living in poverty to 3.9 million, Alison Garnham, Joint Chief Executive of Daycare Trust, the national childcare charity, said:

"It is disappointing that progress in reducing child poverty seems to have stalled for the second consecutive year, although we are aware that significant investment was pledged in the last Budget and the Pre Budget Report, which will begin to have an impact next year.

"It is crucial that the Government step up its efforts on all fronts. This year's figures show a significant increase in the risk of child poverty amongst the under fives; by expanding free early years childcare places to all children, the Government can make a huge difference in terms of children's life chances, helping the poorest children to catch up with the rest".

These figures have been published the day after the end of the 11th National Childcare Week, the theme of which was 'Building Brighter Futures'.

National Childcare Week took place from 2-9 June 2008. The week is designed to promote the importance of investing in childcare, out-of-school activities and early years provision for children to strengthen and contribute to children's play and learning.


Ends.


NOTES TO EDITORS

About Daycare Trust

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.

Daycare Trust is calling on the Government to:

1. Meet parents' aspirations for universal childcare services by:
- expanding free places for two, three and four-year olds to at least 20 hours a week, for 48 weeks in the year and
- subsidising out of school activities for all 11-14s and for younger children from poorer families, aiming ultimately to make them free.
2. Tackle the affordability crisis by giving local authorities the means to develop sustainable services in poorer areas and provide free places for those missing out, including places for disabled children, parents needing out of hours care, Further Education students and parents of under-threes who want to train.
3. Set new standards for the pay of childcare workers, either through national benchmarks or incentives such as the Graduate Leader Fund.

Daycare Trust runs an information line (020 7840 3350) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.
Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, www.ecpc.org.uk.
For further information, contact Daycare Trust on 020 7840 3350.