Shortage of childcare places: what should be done?
There aren't enough childcare places.
- A guaranteed public childcare place for every child
- Develop both public and private provision
- Financial support so each family chooses (nursery, childminder, stay-at-home parent)
What's at stake: The debate pits a guaranteed place in public childcare against each family's freedom to choose how their children are cared for.
The left's argument
A guaranteed place helps parents, especially mothers, to work and reduces inequality.
The centre's argument
Develop both public and private childcare to create new places quickly.
The right's argument
Families must choose how their children are cared for, including looking after them at home.
And you, where do you stand?
Answer 30 situations like this one and find out where you stand, topic by topic.