Parents' views and use of early learning and childcare: data tables

Figures showing parents’ and carers’ current use, future potential use, views and experiences of early learning and childcare.


Use of early learning and childcare

Table A1: Use of funded, paid and informal ELC (with eligible children)

Overall Most deprived Least deprived
Funded ELC only 16% 22% 10%
Funded and paid or informal ELC 73% 63% 79%
Funded + paid + informal 31% 23% 36%
Funded + paid 21% 15% 27%
Funded + informal 21% 25% 15%
Unfunded ELC 7% 5% 10%
No ELC 5% 10% 1%
Base (unweighted) 5931 581 1326

Table A2: Reasons cited by parents not using funded ELC for their eligible child

3/4 year olds 2 year olds
No reason/I don't know 15% 22%
I think my child is too young 20% 24%
I want to look after my child myself most of the time 16% 16%
My child wouldn't like to be separated from myself or my partner 6% -
I don't think it would be good for my child's development 7% -
I don't think it would be good for my child's wellbeing 9% 2%
I don't think it would be good for my relationship with my child 5% -
I was not aware of the availability of funded childcare 21% 22%
I don't know how to apply for funded childcare/I find applying too difficult 14% 9%
I cannot afford childcare, even if it's free, because there are always some associated costs 2% 2%
Transport is not available or the travel time is too long - 12%
The travel costs would be too high - 9%
A lack of flexibility or choice in available opening hours 14% 19%
A lack of flexibility or choice in available childcare settings or types of childcare 13% 16%
There are no available providers near me 14% 21%
There are no providers available that I could trust to provide a high quality service 3% 6%
There are no providers available that meet the additional support needs of my child 3% 2%
Base (unweighted) 67 51

Table A3: Types of ELC provider used (those with eligible children)

Overall Most deprived Least deprived
Local authority nursery class attached to primary school 55% 50% 52%
Local authority nursery class not attached to primary school 14% 22% 9%
Private nursery 42% 31% 54%
Community/voluntary nursery 2% 2% 3%
Playgroup 13% 9% 13%
Family centre 2% 4% 2%
Childminder 13% 8% 14%
Other 3% 3% 3%
Base (unweighted) 5696 523 1308

Table A4: Factors influencing choice of ELC provider (with eligible children)

Overall Most deprived Least deprived
Provider had a good reputation 63% 62% 69%
I read inspection reports 36% 31% 45%
Convenient location for my home 67% 66% 72%
Convenient location for my work 20% 18% 23%
Child could mix with other children 41% 41% 46%
I liked/trusted the staff 51% 53% 52%
It was the only provider available in the area 8% 8% 5%
It had no (or a short) waiting list 8% 11% 7%
Because everyone in my local area/neighbourhood goes there 10% 8% 10%
It had a good outdoor space for my child to use 40% 37% 47%
Child's older sibling went to same provider 27% 26% 29%
It was attached to a primary school which my child will go to 39% 30% 43%
It was the most affordable option available to me 8% 8% 8%
It provided the flexibility in hours I needed 25% 22% 29%
I was confident that staff had the skills required to support my child's needs 43% 47% 44%
Other 1% 1% 0%
Base (unweighted) 5535 570 1313

Table A5a: Total weekly hours of ELC per child (with eligible children)

3/4 year olds 2 year olds
Average 29.2 hrs 23.9 hrs
Up to 8 hours 1% 6%
8-15 hours 14% 26%
16-29 hours 35% 33%
30-39 hours 29% 24%
40+ hours 21% 10%
Base (unweighted) 5434 123

Table A5b: Weekly funded hours of ELC per child (with eligible children)

3/4 year olds 2 year olds
Average 13.9 hrs 13.4 hrs
Up to 10 hours 13% 24%
10-14 hours 8% 3%
15+ hours 79% 76%
Base (unweighted) 5155 100

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