EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Assessing the operation and impact of the Childminder Sustainability Grant

Assessing the operation and impact of the Childminder Sustainability Grant

Introduction

The assessment of a government initiative to recruit and retain childminders, particulary those providing for families in areas of deprivation.

Description

This report contains the findings of research evaluating the Childminder Sustainability Grant, introduced in April 2001. This Grant offers short-term financial assistance to childminders in disadvantaged areas in England when they have a vacancy. The report:

identifies what has worked well and areas where improvements are needed;
outlines the aims of the research, the methodology and the sample used;
highlights some of the key issues facing childminders and the general issue of vacancies;
explores the respondents' awareness, knowledge and experiences of the Grant and its impact;
makes suggestions for improving the Sustainability Grant, looking at the conditions, organisation, administration, and support mechanisms in place;
explores the future of the Grant; and
raises potential ideas for helping childminders on low incomes, as well as assisting all childminders to fill vacancies.

Background information

The research aimed to provide a greater understanding of the Sustainability Grant that had been received and used. In particular, it looked to identify those parts of the scheme which worked well and what could be done to improve the current system. The Grant itself aims to increase the number of available childcare places, especially in areas of disadvantage, and to set up support networks for childminders.

Methodology

Nine case studies consisting of initial interviews with Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships members, followed by mini-group discussions with childminders.

Conclusions

The Sustainability Grant was appreciated both by childminders and local authority staff. The Grant was felt to have made a difference to the childminders who received it. It was unlikely to be the only factor influencing a childminder’s decision to stay in the profession, but it offered them short-term financial relief and a heightened sense of self-worth. The research found that improvements could be made by simplifying the rules and regulations surrounding the scheme, and by clarifying some of the language used. Local authorities felt that they could have had more support for producing publicity for the scheme, or that the publicity could have been produced by central government.

Contact info

Department for Education and Skills
Ms Lorna Ward, tel. +44 20 7273 1135

Publication date

01/01/2003

Researcher

Penelope Tapp and Vanessa Stone, British Market Research Bureau (BRMB)

Cities

Areas in the North, Midlands and South of England.

Links

Department for Education and Skills Childminder Sustainability Grant British Market Research Bureau (BMRB)

Assessing the operation and impact of the Childminder Sustainability Grant (PDF, Eng, 444KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Social services