5. Results
Table 1A: Current use of the free child care entitlement by pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status
|
Formal childcare use pattern (%) |
Working adults in the house |
Marital status |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
Non user |
Low user |
Medium user |
High User |
No working adults |
1 working adult |
2 or more working adults |
Couple |
Single parent |
| Do you currently use the free early learning and childcare entitlement for your 3 or 4 year old child? n=4485 |
|
|
n=187 |
n=2640 |
n=730 |
n=772 |
n=147 |
n=1186 |
n=3136 |
n=3528 |
n=348 |
| Yes |
3876 (86.4) |
0.0% |
91.5% |
88.1% |
85.8% |
81.6% |
85.2% |
87.1% |
87.0% |
80.9% |
| No |
501 (11.2) |
92.0% |
6.1% |
10.3% |
11.9% |
12.2% |
11.6% |
10.9% |
10.9% |
14.0% |
| I don’t know |
108 (2.4) |
8.0% |
2.4% |
1.6% |
2.3% |
6.1% |
3.2% |
1.9% |
2.1% |
5.1% |
| How do you use this entitlement? n=3868 |
|
|
n=0 |
n=2412 |
n=642 |
n=659 |
n=120 |
n=1011 |
n=2725 |
n=3520 |
n=348 |
| Local Authority nursery |
2280 (58.9) |
0.0% |
76.9% |
24.5% |
28.5% |
83.3% |
68.3% |
54.3% |
58.4% |
64.7% |
| Private nursery provider (including not for profit providers). |
1257 (32.5) |
0.0% |
19.7% |
52.3% |
57.1% |
15.8% |
25.8% |
35.7% |
32.7% |
30.5% |
| Both |
331 (8.6) |
0.0% |
3.4% |
23.2% |
14.4% |
0.8% |
5.8% |
9.9% |
8.9% |
4.9% |
| Why don’t you use free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old child? N=501 |
|
|
n=172 |
n=162 |
n=75 |
n=92 |
n=18 |
n=137 |
n=343 |
n=441 |
n=60 |
| Childcare providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. |
88 (17.6) |
6.4% |
16.0% |
22.7% |
37.0% |
16.7% |
13.1% |
19.5% |
18.4% |
11.7% |
| My child has additional support needs and I would not be able to access the quality of child care they would need. |
4 (0.8) |
1.2% |
1.2% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
5.6% |
0.7% |
0.6% |
0.7% |
1.7% |
| Not enough availability of places within my area. |
128 (25.5) |
25.6% |
19.8% |
20.0% |
40.2% |
38.9% |
25.5% |
24.8% |
26.1% |
21.7% |
| I do not feel that local childcare provision is of a high enough quality. |
16 (3.2) |
2.3% |
3.7% |
2.7% |
4.3% |
0.0% |
4.4% |
2.9% |
2.9% |
5.0% |
| There is no free provision during school holidays. |
71 (14.2) |
7.6% |
11.7% |
17.3% |
28.3% |
22.2% |
5.1% |
17.5% |
14.1% |
15.0% |
| I would still need some private child care. |
129 (25.7) |
12.2% |
22.2% |
38.7% |
46.7% |
11.1% |
19.0% |
29.4% |
25.9% |
25.0% |
| Myself/partner prefers to look after our own child. |
49 (9.8) |
19.8% |
9.3% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
5.6% |
19.7% |
5.8% |
10.7% |
3.3% |
| I prefer for a family member to look after my child |
19 (3.8) |
7.0% |
3.1% |
2.7% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
2.9% |
4.4% |
4.1% |
1.7% |
| I do not qualify for other childcare costs support |
39 (7.8) |
7.6% |
8.6% |
5.3% |
8.7% |
5.6% |
7.3% |
8.2% |
7.9% |
6.7% |
| Child is 3 but will not be able to commence free entitlement until a later date. |
102 (20.4) |
24.4% |
22.2% |
21.3% |
8.7% |
5.6% |
19.0% |
21.9% |
20.6% |
18.3% |
| None of these. or Other. |
93 (18.6) |
15.7% |
18.5% |
25.3% |
18.5% |
27.8% |
15.3% |
19.2% |
17.0% |
30.0% |
Table 1B: Current use of the free childcare entitlement by household income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.
|
Household income group |
Benefit status |
Urban/Rural Classification |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
Low income |
Medium income |
High income |
Benefit reciept |
non benefit reciept |
Large Urban Areas |
Other Urban Areas |
Accessible Small Towns |
Remote Small Towns |
Accessible Rural |
Remote Rural |
| Do you currently use the free early learning and childcare entitlement for your 3 or 4 year old child? n=4485 |
|
|
n=336 |
n=2324 |
n=1684 |
n=1175 |
n=3247 |
n=1095 |
n=1042 |
n=463 |
n=156 |
n=542 |
n=355 |
| Yes |
3876 (86.4) |
80.1% |
86.6% |
88.1% |
85.8% |
88.3% |
82.4% |
86.6% |
91.1% |
87.2% |
87.3% |
91.3% |
| No |
501 (11.2) |
13.1% |
11.1% |
10.6% |
11.8% |
9.4% |
14.8% |
11.4% |
6.7% |
9.0% |
10.1% |
6.2% |
| I don’t know |
108 (2.4) |
6.8% |
2.4% |
1.3% |
2.4% |
2.3% |
2.8% |
2.0% |
2.2% |
3.8% |
2.6% |
2.5% |
| How do you use this entitlement? n=3868 |
|
|
n=269 |
n=2008 |
n=1479 |
n=1035 |
n=2781 |
n=900 |
n=899 |
n=421 |
n=136 |
n=472 |
n=324 |
| Local Authority nursery |
2280 (58.9) |
77.7% |
64.5% |
47.3% |
60.7% |
54.3% |
51.8% |
60.3% |
61.8% |
58.8% |
56.1% |
76.9% |
| Private nursery provider (including not for profit providers). |
1257 (32.5) |
19.3% |
28.0% |
41.4% |
30.7% |
37.4% |
41.0% |
30.6% |
31.4% |
33.1% |
33.9% |
15.1% |
| Both |
331 (8.6) |
3.0% |
7.4% |
11.2% |
8.6% |
8.3% |
7.2% |
9.1% |
6.9% |
8.1% |
10.0% |
8.0% |
| Why don’t you use free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old child? N=501 |
|
|
n=44 |
n=257 |
n=179 |
n=110 |
n=383 |
n=162 |
n=119 |
n=31 |
n=14 |
n=55 |
n=22 |
| Childcare providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. |
88 (17.6) |
13.6% |
14.4% |
24.6% |
17.0% |
20.0% |
24.1% |
16.0% |
12.9% |
7.1% |
10.9% |
4.5% |
| My child has additional support needs and I would not be able to access the quality of child care they would need. |
4 (0.8) |
2.3% |
0.8% |
0.6% |
1.0% |
0.0% |
0.6% |
0.8% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
| Not enough availability of places within my area. |
128 (25.5) |
36.4% |
23.7% |
24.6% |
25.1% |
27.3% |
45.7% |
16.0% |
19.4% |
14.3% |
3.6% |
18.2% |
| I do not feel that local childcare provision is of a high enough quality. |
16 (3.2) |
0.0% |
3.5% |
2.8% |
2.3% |
6.4% |
1.9% |
2.5% |
6.5% |
0.0% |
7.3% |
0.0% |
| There is no free provision during school holidays. |
71 (14.2) |
13.6% |
12.8% |
16.8% |
13.6% |
15.5% |
13.0% |
18.5% |
3.2% |
14.3% |
12.7% |
4.5% |
| I would still need some private child care. |
129 (25.7) |
31.8% |
25.3% |
26.3% |
23.8% |
32.7% |
29.0% |
23.5% |
25.8% |
35.7% |
18.2% |
9.1% |
| Myself/partner prefers to look after our own child. |
49 (9.8) |
9.1% |
10.9% |
7.8% |
10.2% |
8.2% |
5.6% |
6.7% |
6.5% |
14.3% |
9.1% |
18.2% |
| I prefer for a family member to look after my child |
19 (3.8) |
2.3% |
4.7% |
2.8% |
2.6% |
8.2% |
1.9% |
5.9% |
0.0% |
7.1% |
3.6% |
13.6% |
| I do not qualify for other childcare costs support. |
39 (7.8) |
2.3% |
11.3% |
3.9% |
8.1% |
7.3% |
6.2% |
12.6% |
3.2% |
14.3% |
5.5% |
13.6% |
| Child is 3 but will not be able to commence free entitlement until a later date. |
102 (20.4) |
9.1% |
21.4% |
22.3% |
20.9% |
19.1% |
14.8% |
25.2% |
38.7% |
14.3% |
38.2% |
18.2% |
| None of these. or Other. |
93 (18.6) |
11.4% |
20.0% |
16.8% |
19.3% |
35.4% |
18.5% |
19.3% |
9.6% |
14.3% |
5.5% |
22.7% |
Table 2A: Overall childcare use and reasons for childcare use by pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status.
|
Formal childcare use pattern (%) |
Working adults in the house |
Marital status |
| Non user |
Low user |
Medium user |
High User |
No working adults |
1 working adult |
2 or more working adults |
Couple |
Single parent |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
n=187 |
n=2640 |
n=730 |
n=772 |
n=147 |
n=1186 |
n=3136 |
n=4055 |
n=430 |
| Which of the following providers of early learning and childcare do you use? N=4485 |
Local Authority Nursery |
54.1% |
0.0% |
70.4% |
40.4% |
35.5% |
66.7% |
59.2% |
51.6% |
53.9% |
56.5% |
| Private or non profit provider |
41.8% |
0.0% |
22.7% |
84.5% |
85.0% |
17.0% |
29.3% |
47.8% |
42.2% |
37.9% |
| A family member, friend, or neighbour |
43.7% |
34.8% |
47.8% |
50.4% |
28.1% |
25.9% |
28.8% |
50.3% |
43.6% |
44.7% |
| Childminder |
15.1% |
28.3% |
20.1% |
5.2% |
3.8% |
5.4% |
10.7% |
17.2% |
14.8% |
18.4% |
| Playgroup |
8.4% |
32.1% |
5.8% |
4.4% |
2.5% |
10.2% |
11.6% |
7.0% |
8.6% |
6.3% |
| Preschool |
10.0% |
0.0% |
9.1% |
7.9% |
19.7% |
12.2% |
11.2% |
9.5% |
10.2% |
8.1% |
| Out of School Club |
2.3% |
2.1% |
1.4% |
3.2% |
5.1% |
2.0% |
1.6% |
2.6% |
2.3% |
2.3% |
| Creche |
1.2% |
4.8% |
1.1% |
1.4% |
1.0% |
1.4% |
2.0% |
1.0% |
1.3% |
1.2% |
| Children/Family Centre |
0.6% |
2.1% |
0.4% |
0.3% |
0.8% |
1.4% |
0.7% |
0.5% |
0.5% |
0.9% |
| Breakfast Club |
1.8% |
1.1% |
1.1% |
2.9% |
3.8% |
1.4% |
1.3% |
2.0% |
1.8% |
1.9% |
| Sitter Service |
0.8% |
1.6% |
0.8% |
1.0% |
0.8% |
1.4% |
0.8% |
0.9% |
0.7% |
1.9% |
| What were the main reasons you chose to have your child in early learning and child care? N=4479 |
|
|
n=187 |
n=2636 |
n=730 |
n=772 |
n=147 |
n=1185 |
n=3134 |
n=4049 |
n=430 |
| So that I could work |
67.9% |
48.9% |
56.9% |
91.0% |
92.4% |
11.6% |
43.2% |
80.0% |
68.4% |
63.7% |
| So that I could look for work |
3.4% |
5.4% |
3.9% |
2.3% |
1.6% |
20.4% |
6.0% |
1.5% |
3.0% |
6.5% |
| So that I could study/train |
6.3% |
8.1% |
5.4% |
7.4% |
7.1% |
25.2% |
7.8% |
4.7% |
5.5% |
13.0% |
| So that I could look after the home/other children |
11.5% |
11.8% |
13.7% |
8.9% |
4.7% |
20.4% |
19.3% |
8.2% |
12.0% |
7.4% |
| So that I could go shopping/attend an appointment/socialise |
4.6% |
9.1% |
4.9% |
3.6% |
2.2% |
13.6% |
7.1% |
3.3% |
4.5% |
5.8% |
| For my childs educational development |
71.9% |
38.7% |
78.7% |
65.9% |
60.9% |
78.9% |
75.3% |
70.3% |
72.4% |
67.7% |
| Because my child likes spending time with the provider |
23.7% |
17.7% |
25.0% |
22.6% |
18.4% |
25.9% |
27.3% |
22.2% |
23.9% |
21.4% |
| Because my child asked to spend time with the provider |
3.7% |
4.3% |
4.1% |
2.5% |
2.3% |
5.4% |
5.5% |
2.9% |
3.7% |
3.7% |
| So that my child could take part in a liesure activity |
8.6% |
11.8% |
9.7% |
4.7% |
6.0% |
15.0% |
11.7% |
7.0% |
8.6% |
8.6% |
| Because it was available/offered to me. |
26.0% |
7.0% |
35.0% |
12.9% |
9.3% |
41.5% |
33.6% |
22.4% |
25.8% |
27.9% |
| So that my child could meet and interact with other children |
67.3% |
46.8% |
73.3% |
59.7% |
56.1% |
76.9% |
71.3% |
65.3% |
67.8% |
62.1% |
| Not applicable (I do not use Child Care) |
1.6% |
23.7% |
0.8% |
0.3% |
0.4% |
2.0% |
2.9% |
1.0% |
1.6% |
1.2% |
| Don’t know |
0.1% |
0.0% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.0% |
0.3% |
0.1% |
0.1% |
0.0% |
| Other |
2.0% |
2.7% |
2.0% |
1.9% |
1.7% |
2.7% |
2.8% |
1.7% |
1.9% |
2.8% |
Table 2B: Overall childcare use and reasons for childcare use by household income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.
|
Household income group |
Benefit status |
Urban/Rural Classification |
| Low income |
Medium income |
High income |
Benefit reciept |
non benefit reciept |
Urban Areas |
Other Urban Areas |
Accessible Small Towns |
Small Towns |
Accessible Rural |
Remote Rural |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
n=336 |
n=2324 |
n=1684 |
n=3247 |
n=1175 |
n=1095 |
n=1042 |
n=463 |
n=156 |
n=542 |
n=355 |
| Which of the following providers of early learning and childcare do you use? N=4485 |
Local Authority Nursery |
54.1% |
64.0% |
58.4% |
45.9% |
55.3% |
51.0% |
48.1% |
57.4% |
55.5% |
55.1% |
49.6% |
68.2% |
| Private or non profit provider |
41.8% |
23.8% |
35.8% |
54.5% |
40.3% |
45.7% |
50.3% |
41.2% |
37.6% |
41.0% |
41.5% |
23.1% |
| A family member, friend, or neighbour |
43.7% |
39.0% |
46.1% |
43.0% |
45.4% |
39.6% |
42.8% |
50.7% |
45.1% |
37.8% |
42.4% |
42.0% |
| Childminder |
15.1% |
15.5% |
15.1% |
15.5% |
15.8% |
13.3% |
11.4% |
14.4% |
17.5% |
16.7% |
16.6% |
22.0% |
| Playgroup |
8.4% |
8.9% |
8.5% |
8.1% |
8.0% |
9.1% |
5.9% |
7.4% |
9.7% |
10.3% |
14.0% |
11.5% |
| Preschool |
10.0% |
11.3% |
10.6% |
8.7% |
10.2% |
9.7% |
5.8% |
8.9% |
10.4% |
15.4% |
13.5% |
17.2% |
| Out of School Club |
2.3% |
1.8% |
2.3% |
2.3% |
2.3% |
2.2% |
2.9% |
1.9% |
2.6% |
1.9% |
1.7% |
1.7% |
| Creche |
1.2% |
1.5% |
1.3% |
1.1% |
1.3% |
0.9% |
1.9% |
1.0% |
1.3% |
3.2% |
0.9% |
0.8% |
| Children/Family Centre |
0.6% |
1.5% |
0.6% |
0.3% |
0.6% |
0.4% |
0.6% |
0.9% |
0.2% |
0.6% |
0.4% |
0.6% |
| Breakfast Club |
1.8% |
2.1% |
1.8% |
1.8% |
1.8% |
1.9% |
2.0% |
2.7% |
1.1% |
1.9% |
1.3% |
0.3% |
| Sitter Service |
0.8% |
2.1% |
0.5% |
1.1% |
0.7% |
1.2% |
1.0% |
0.5% |
1.1% |
1.3% |
0.6% |
0.8% |
| What was the main reason you chose to have your child in early learning and child care? N=4479 |
|
|
n=335 |
n=2324 |
n=1683 |
n=3246 |
n=1174 |
n=1094 |
n=1042 |
n=463 |
n=156 |
n=541 |
n=355 |
| So that I could work |
67.9% |
49.0% |
66.3% |
76.0% |
68.4% |
66.9% |
73.6% |
68.9% |
66.3% |
59.6% |
67.1% |
58.0% |
| So that I could look for work |
3.4% |
11.3% |
3.7% |
1.2% |
3.7% |
2.5% |
4.1% |
3.4% |
2.8% |
4.5% |
2.6% |
3.1% |
| So that I could study/train |
6.3% |
16.7% |
7.1% |
3.1% |
6.9% |
4.5% |
6.0% |
6.5% |
6.0% |
11.5% |
6.7% |
5.6% |
| So that I could look after the home/other children |
11.5% |
14.6% |
12.3% |
9.5% |
11.5% |
11.4% |
9.7% |
10.5% |
13.8% |
13.5% |
12.0% |
14.9% |
| So that I could go shopping/attend an appointment/socialise |
4.6% |
9.9% |
4.3% |
4.0% |
4.9% |
4.1% |
3.9% |
4.9% |
5.4% |
6.4% |
5.5% |
3.7% |
| For my childs educational development |
71.9% |
72.5% |
71.6% |
72.2% |
72.0% |
72.0% |
68.8% |
70.5% |
74.7% |
73.7% |
76.3% |
80.6% |
| Because my child likes spending time with the provider |
23.7% |
23.3% |
24.3% |
23.2% |
23.9% |
23.0% |
20.4% |
22.1% |
25.9% |
25.0% |
24.8% |
33.5% |
| Because my child asked to spend time with the provider |
3.7% |
6.6% |
4.1% |
2.4% |
3.9% |
2.9% |
2.4% |
3.3% |
3.2% |
5.1% |
4.3% |
7.0% |
| So that my child could take part in a liesure activity |
8.6% |
13.4% |
9.1% |
6.9% |
8.7% |
8.3% |
8.3% |
7.2% |
9.9% |
11.5% |
10.2% |
8.7% |
| Because it was available/offered to me. |
26.0% |
35.2% |
28.2% |
20.9% |
27.5% |
21.6% |
19.9% |
25.8% |
31.7% |
32.7% |
27.9% |
37.7% |
| So that my child could meet and interact with other children |
67.3% |
70.4% |
66.8% |
67.3% |
67.5% |
66.9% |
64.2% |
65.6% |
70.6% |
71.2% |
72.1% |
72.4% |
| Not applicable (I do not use Child Care) |
1.6% |
2.1% |
1.5% |
1.2% |
1.4% |
1.9% |
1.4% |
1.3% |
1.1% |
1.9% |
1.7% |
2.5% |
| Don’t know |
0.1% |
0.6% |
0.1% |
0.0% |
0.2% |
0.0% |
0.1% |
0.0% |
0.2% |
0.6% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
| Other |
2.0% |
1.5% |
1.9% |
2.0% |
1.5% |
2.1% |
2.1% |
1.9% |
2.4% |
0.0% |
1.5% |
1.4% |
Table 3A: Reasons for choice ofchildcare and prefered future pattern of use by pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status.
|
Formal childcare use pattern (%) |
Working adults in the house |
Marital status |
| Non user |
Low user |
Medium user |
High User |
No working adults |
1 working adult |
2 or more working adults |
Couple |
Single parent |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
n=186 |
n=2622 |
n=730 |
n=771 |
n=146 |
n=1183 |
n=3124 |
n=4038 |
n=427 |
| What were your main reasons for your particular choice in early learning and child care for your 3 or 4 year old child? (please select all that apply) n=4465 |
Trust |
53.7% |
49.5% |
52.1% |
55.9% |
57.5% |
43.2% |
48.8% |
55.9% |
53.5% |
55.5% |
| Affordability |
27.3% |
33.3% |
27.8% |
27.5% |
24.1% |
17.8% |
27.2% |
27.7% |
27.1% |
29.0% |
| Convenience |
49.6% |
33.3% |
47.2% |
57.4% |
54.3% |
43.8% |
45.5% |
51.4% |
50.5% |
40.3% |
| Reputation/recommendation |
54.6% |
41.9% |
51.9% |
60.4% |
60.1% |
42.5% |
52.2% |
56.0% |
54.8% |
52.7% |
| Qualifications of staff |
29.7% |
14.5% |
28.5% |
31.8% |
35.9% |
30.1% |
30.5% |
29.3% |
29.8% |
29.3% |
| Social opportunities for child |
43.7% |
32.3% |
45.9% |
40.3% |
41.9% |
49.3% |
43.4% |
43.4% |
43.5% |
45.2% |
| No other options were available |
8.9% |
9.7% |
8.3% |
7.3% |
12.6% |
6.2% |
8.6% |
9.2% |
9.0% |
8.4% |
| Reliability |
27.5% |
24.7% |
24.4% |
33.6% |
33.1% |
23.3% |
24.8% |
28.6% |
27.3% |
28.6% |
| Educational opportunities |
50.1% |
21.5% |
54.4% |
46.0% |
48.2% |
57.5% |
51.1% |
49.3% |
50.0% |
50.8% |
| Availability of subsidies |
5.4% |
2.2% |
3.6% |
8.6% |
8.3% |
4.8% |
4.9% |
5.6% |
5.4% |
5.2% |
| Good quality/inspection report |
41.5% |
20.4% |
36.5% |
51.2% |
54.0% |
35.6% |
36.4% |
43.7% |
42.1% |
36.5% |
| Not Applicable (I do not use Child Care) |
1.7% |
24.2% |
1.0% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
2.7% |
3.0% |
1.1% |
1.7% |
1.6% |
| I don't know |
0.5% |
0.0% |
0.6% |
0.3% |
0.6% |
4.1% |
0.8% |
0.3% |
0.5% |
1.2% |
| Other |
5.5% |
3.8% |
5.4% |
5.2% |
6.9% |
4.8% |
5.7% |
5.4% |
5.5% |
4.9% |
|
|
|
n=186 |
n=2634 |
n=729 |
n=770 |
n=147 |
n=1181 |
n=3133 |
n=4045 |
n=430 |
The Scottish Government is proposing to increase the provision of free early learning and child care for 3 or 4 year olds by 2020. There are a number of ways this can happen.
Which of the following would you be most likely to consider? N=4465 |
Term time only - 6 hours/day, 5 days a week (covering the school day, 9am- 3pm) |
21.3% |
12.4% |
26.3% |
13.7% |
12.3% |
38.1% |
25.6% |
18.8% |
21.1% |
22.6% |
| hours to suit your needs (e.g. 3 or 4 days per week but longer days) |
17.9% |
17.2% |
18.4% |
20.2% |
15.3% |
15.0% |
14.1% |
19.6% |
18.3% |
14.2% |
| Year round – e.g. 22.8 hours a week over 50 weeks |
40.9% |
32.3% |
31.3% |
57.8% |
62.6% |
25.2% |
34.3% |
44.2% |
40.5% |
44.9% |
| I do not think I will use any of the free child care hours |
5.0% |
17.7% |
5.9% |
1.6% |
1.4% |
3.4% |
5.8% |
4.7% |
5.2% |
3.3% |
| I would only like to use some of the additional hours offered |
9.8% |
10.2% |
13.0% |
3.6% |
3.0% |
11.6% |
13.5% |
8.4% |
9.7% |
10.7% |
| I don't know |
2.5% |
4.8% |
2.8% |
1.6% |
1.8% |
5.4% |
3.4% |
1.9% |
2.5% |
2.6% |
| Other |
2.6% |
5.4% |
2.3% |
1.5% |
3.5% |
1.4% |
3.4% |
2.3% |
2.6% |
1.9% |
Table 3B: Reasons for choice of childcare and prefered future pattern of use by house hold income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.
|
Household income group |
Benefit status |
Urban/Rural Classification |
| Low income |
Medium income |
High income |
Benefit reciept |
non benefit reciept |
Large Urban Areas |
Other Urban Areas |
Accessible Small Towns |
Remote Small Towns |
Accessible Rural |
Remote Rural |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
n=333 |
n=2317 |
n=1678 |
n=3235 |
n=1171 |
n=1094 |
n=1036 |
n=463 |
n=156 |
n=540 |
n=352 |
| What were your main reasons for your particular choice in early learning and child care for your 3 or 4 year old child? (please select all that apply) n=4465 |
Trust |
53.7% |
50.8% |
52.3% |
57.0% |
53.7% |
53.5% |
51.60% |
56.30% |
53.30% |
57.70% |
55.90% |
47.40% |
| Affordability |
27.3% |
28.8% |
30.2% |
23.7% |
28.7% |
23.5% |
29.30% |
28.20% |
26.80% |
24.40% |
26.70% |
24.40% |
| Convenience |
49.6% |
40.8% |
47.7% |
54.1% |
50.1% |
48.3% |
51.60% |
49.10% |
50.50% |
39.70% |
55.60% |
49.10% |
| Reputation/recommendation |
54.6% |
46.2% |
51.8% |
59.7% |
53.7% |
57.0% |
55.50% |
53.70% |
59.40% |
53.80% |
57% |
40.30% |
| Qualifications of staff |
29.7% |
29.1% |
28.1% |
31.9% |
29.0% |
31.6% |
31.40% |
30.60% |
29.40% |
28.20% |
29.10% |
26.10% |
| Social opportunities for child |
43.7% |
45.9% |
43.3% |
43.9% |
44.3% |
41.8% |
39.40% |
45.20% |
48.60% |
46.80% |
44.80% |
46.90% |
| No other options were available |
8.9% |
9.9% |
9.5% |
8.2% |
8.9% |
9.1% |
8.60% |
4.40% |
8.40% |
8.30% |
9.10% |
26.10% |
| Reliability |
27.5% |
27.6% |
25.7% |
30.2% |
27.5% |
27.5% |
26.50% |
29.20% |
27.40% |
37.80% |
25.60% |
23.90% |
| Educational opportunities |
50.1% |
52.3% |
50.3% |
49.0% |
49.9% |
51.0% |
47.70% |
50.80% |
51.60% |
54.50% |
54.60% |
49.70% |
| Availability of subsidies |
5.4% |
3.3% |
4.5% |
7.2% |
5.3% |
5.6% |
7.60% |
4.60% |
5.80% |
5.10% |
5.40% |
1.70% |
| Good quality/inspection report |
41.5% |
33.9% |
38.8% |
47.5% |
41.5% |
41.8% |
49.50% |
43.20% |
41.70% |
30.10% |
38.50% |
23.00% |
| Not Applicable (I do not use Child Care) |
1.7% |
2.1% |
1.9% |
1.1% |
1.7% |
1.5% |
1.50% |
1.40% |
1.10% |
2.60% |
1.90% |
2.60% |
| I don't know |
0.5% |
1.8% |
0.6% |
0.1% |
0.6% |
0.3% |
0.50% |
0.60% |
0.40% |
0.60% |
0% |
0.90% |
| Other |
5.5% |
3.3% |
5.6% |
5.9% |
5.5% |
5.4% |
5.10% |
4.80% |
6.30% |
5.10% |
6.30% |
3.70% |
|
|
|
n=334 |
n=2322 |
n=1681 |
n=1173 |
n=3241 |
n=1093 |
n=1040 |
n=463 |
n=156 |
n=542 |
n=355 |
| Which of the following would you be most likely to consider? N=4465 |
Term time only - 6 hours/day, 5 days a week (covering the school day, 9am- 3pm) |
21.3% |
32.0% |
23.5% |
16.2% |
18.4% |
22.3% |
19.60% |
20.90% |
22.70% |
26.30% |
20.50% |
31.50% |
| Term time only but a different pattern of hours to suit your needs (e.g. 3 or 4 days per week but longer days) |
17.9% |
14.4% |
18.3% |
18.6% |
18.2% |
17.9% |
17.70% |
20.30% |
16.20% |
12.20% |
18.50% |
14.10% |
| Year round – e.g. 22.8 hours a week over 50 weeks |
40.9% |
35.3% |
38.1% |
47.2% |
41.4% |
40.9% |
49.20% |
42.10% |
41.00% |
36.50% |
39.10% |
24.20% |
| I do not think I will use any of the free child care hours |
5.0% |
3.0% |
5.2% |
4.4% |
5.6% |
4.7% |
3.20% |
3.80% |
3.70% |
7.70% |
5.50% |
7.30% |
| I would only like to use some of the additional hours offered |
9.8% |
10.5% |
9.7% |
9.3% |
10.6% |
9.6% |
6.30% |
7.90% |
11.00% |
14.10% |
11.30% |
17.70% |
| I don't know |
2.5% |
3.6% |
2.8% |
1.4% |
2.0% |
2.6% |
1.80% |
2.40% |
1.90% |
2.60% |
2.40% |
3.70% |
| Other |
2.6% |
1.2% |
2.4% |
2.8% |
3.8% |
2.2% |
2.20% |
2.60% |
3.50% |
0.60% |
2.80% |
1.40% |
Table 4A: Effect of using proposed increaseof childcare hoursby pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status.
|
Formal childcare use pattern (%) |
Working adults in the house |
Marital status |
| Non user |
Low user |
Medium user |
High User |
No working adults |
1 working adult |
2 or more working adults |
Couple |
Single parent |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
n=152 |
n=2468 |
n=712 |
n=754 |
n=142 |
n=1107 |
n=2971 |
n=3815 |
n=415 |
| If you were to take up the increased hours of free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old, how would this effect your own work/life pattern? N=4230 |
I would use the time to work more hours |
37.5% |
31.6% |
37.9% |
42.7% |
33.7% |
4.9% |
27.1% |
43.0% |
37.5% |
37.6% |
| I would use the time to seek out part time work |
9.6% |
13.8% |
12.9% |
3.7% |
1.9% |
38.7% |
24.3% |
2.7% |
9.2% |
13.5% |
| I would use the time to seek out full time work |
3.9% |
5.9% |
4.5% |
3.4% |
2.5% |
21.1% |
5.9% |
2.4% |
3.6% |
7.5% |
| I would use the time to study |
4.6% |
5.9% |
5.3% |
3.1% |
3.2% |
17.6% |
8.0% |
2.6% |
4.1% |
9.2% |
| I would lower my hours at work |
1.8% |
2.0% |
1.0% |
2.0% |
4.4% |
0.0% |
1.0% |
2.2% |
1.8% |
1.2% |
| I would use the time for voluntary or community work |
1.6% |
0.7% |
1.9% |
1.1% |
0.9% |
1.4% |
2.4% |
1.2% |
1.7% |
0.5% |
| My work/life pattern would not change |
31.2% |
27.0% |
27.0% |
36.0% |
41.0% |
9.2% |
22.2% |
35.7% |
32.2% |
22.2% |
| I don’t know |
2.3% |
5.3% |
2.4% |
1.1% |
2.1% |
3.5% |
3.3% |
1.9% |
2.3% |
1.9% |
| Other |
7.4% |
7.9% |
7.1% |
7.0% |
9.4% |
3.5% |
5.8% |
8.3% |
7.5% |
6.5% |
Table 4B: Effect of using proposed increase of childcare hours by household income , household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.
|
Household income group |
Benefit status |
Urban/Rural Classification |
| Low income |
Medium income |
High income |
Benefit reciept |
non benefit reciept |
Large Urban Areas |
Other Urban Areas |
Accessible Small Towns |
Remote Small Towns |
Accessible Rural |
Remote Rural |
| Question |
Response |
Total (%) |
n=332 |
n=2191 |
n=1600 |
n=3078 |
n=1099 |
n=1054 |
n=996 |
n=446 |
n=142 |
n=510 |
n=327 |
| If you were to take up the increased hours of free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old, how would this effect your own work/life pattern? N=4230 |
I would use the time to work more hours |
37.5% |
34.5% |
42.5% |
32.4% |
38.2% |
35.1% |
37.5% |
35.3% |
39.5% |
43.0% |
37.3% |
42.8% |
| I would use the time to seek out part time work |
9.6% |
19.9% |
9.8% |
6.5% |
9.5% |
10.2% |
9.3% |
8.2% |
11.0% |
12.7% |
10.2% |
11.0% |
| I would use the time to seek out full time work |
3.9% |
11.2% |
4.4% |
1.8% |
4.5% |
2.5% |
4.3% |
5.0% |
2.0% |
7.7% |
2.7% |
2.8% |
| I would use the time to study |
4.6% |
11.8% |
4.9% |
2.6% |
4.9% |
3.9% |
4.8% |
5.0% |
4.0% |
4.9% |
5.3% |
3.1% |
| I would lower my hours at work |
1.8% |
0.6% |
1.6% |
2.2% |
1.8% |
1.6% |
2.4% |
2.0% |
1.6% |
1.4% |
0.6% |
0.9% |
| I would use the time for voluntary or community work |
1.6% |
1.2% |
1.0% |
2.3% |
1.3% |
2.5% |
1.7% |
0.8% |
1.3% |
2.8% |
1.8% |
2.4% |
| My work/life pattern would not change |
31.2% |
13.7% |
26.3% |
41.4% |
29.7% |
36.2% |
29.8% |
34.0% |
30.9% |
23.2% |
32.9% |
27.5% |
| I don’t know |
2.3% |
3.1% |
2.4% |
1.9% |
2.3% |
2.0% |
1.8% |
2.4% |
1.6% |
1.4% |
1.4% |
3.7% |
| Other |
7.4% |
4.0% |
7.1% |
8.8% |
7.9% |
5.9% |
8.4% |
7.1% |
8.1% |
2.8% |
7.8% |
5.8% |
Table 5A: Perceptions of childcare by pattern of use ,number of working adults, and marital status.
|
Formal childcare use pattern (%) |
Working adults in the household |
Marital status |
| Non user |
Low user |
Medium user |
High User |
No working adults |
1 working adult |
2 or more working adults |
Couple |
Single parent |
| n=184 |
n=2626 |
n=726 |
n=770 |
n=147 |
n=1180 |
n=3123 |
n=4033 |
n=429 |
| Here are some common views/perceptions of current early learning and child provision. To what extent do you agree or disagree with them? |
I find it difficult to afford the child care that I need. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
33.9% |
35.3% |
30.2% |
37.1% |
44.4% |
36.1% |
33.1% |
34.0% |
33.3% |
38.9% |
| Tend to Agree |
25.4% |
17.4% |
24.5% |
30.6% |
25.8% |
21.1% |
22.6% |
26.6% |
25.2% |
26.8% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
17.9% |
16.3% |
20.4% |
13.8% |
13.8% |
16.3% |
19.2% |
17.6% |
18.4% |
13.1% |
| Tend to Disagree |
10.5% |
12.0% |
10.6% |
12.5% |
7.9% |
2.7% |
7.7% |
11.9% |
10.9% |
7.2% |
| Strongly Disagree |
10.0% |
10.3% |
11.5% |
5.6% |
7.1% |
14.3% |
13.9% |
8.4% |
10.0% |
10.3% |
| I don’t know |
2.3% |
8.7% |
2.7% |
0.4% |
0.9% |
9.5% |
3.5% |
1.4% |
2.1% |
3.7% |
| Child care providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
20.8% |
24.0% |
18.6% |
21.8% |
26.5% |
21.9% |
18.6% |
21.5% |
20.7% |
21.7% |
| Tend to Agree |
24.7% |
17.5% |
24.6% |
28.8% |
22.8% |
26.7% |
23.0% |
25.3% |
24.5% |
26.9% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
21.0% |
19.7% |
23.0% |
17.2% |
17.7% |
19.2% |
26.5% |
19.0% |
21.1% |
20.8% |
| Tend to Disagree |
19.0% |
15.3% |
18.3% |
21.4% |
20.5% |
7.5% |
15.5% |
20.8% |
19.5% |
14.3% |
| Strongly Disagree |
9.9% |
9.3% |
9.6% |
9.9% |
10.7% |
11.6% |
9.9% |
9.8% |
9.8% |
10.5% |
| I don’t know |
4.6% |
14.2% |
5.9% |
0.8% |
1.8% |
13.0% |
6.4% |
3.6% |
4.5% |
5.8% |
| I feel that I place too much of a burden on family and friends for child care. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
18.8% |
20.1% |
20.2% |
17.9% |
14.5% |
23.8% |
16.5% |
19.4% |
17.9% |
26.8% |
| Tend to Agree |
22.5% |
16.8% |
24.7% |
22.6% |
16.5% |
22.4% |
17.5% |
24.4% |
22.2% |
24.9% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
15.9% |
15.2% |
15.6% |
15.3% |
18.3% |
11.6% |
19.4% |
14.9% |
15.9% |
16.7% |
| Tend to Disagree |
15.1% |
10.9% |
14.5% |
18.8% |
15.3% |
10.2% |
12.5% |
16.4% |
15.7% |
9.6% |
| Strongly Disagree |
26.0% |
32.1% |
23.6% |
23.7% |
33.4% |
27.2% |
31.8% |
23.8% |
26.6% |
20.9% |
| I don’t know |
1.6% |
4.9% |
1.3% |
1.7% |
2.0% |
4.8% |
2.4% |
1.1% |
1.7% |
1.2% |
| I would like to be able to access more childcare hours to allow me to work/train/study. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
44.6% |
38.9% |
43.2% |
49.9% |
48.4% |
50.7% |
44.1% |
44.5% |
43.7% |
53.0% |
| Tend to Agree |
21.6% |
18.4% |
22.4% |
22.3% |
17.4% |
24.0% |
19.8% |
22.3% |
21.7% |
20.6% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
12.4% |
10.8% |
11.6% |
12.2% |
15.9% |
9.6% |
11.7% |
12.8% |
12.8% |
9.1% |
| Tend to Disagree |
9.0% |
8.6% |
9.2% |
8.7% |
8.2% |
4.1% |
8.5% |
9.4% |
9.3% |
6.3% |
| Strongly Disagree |
11.0% |
20.5% |
12.0% |
6.5% |
9.1% |
9.6% |
13.9% |
10.0% |
11.2% |
9.3% |
| I don’t know |
1.3% |
2.7% |
1.5% |
0.5% |
0.9% |
2.1% |
1.9% |
1.0% |
1.3% |
1.6% |
| I would like more choice in the type of child care available to me. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
35.5% |
37.0% |
32.5% |
37.9% |
43.6% |
39.0% |
33.6% |
36.0% |
34.9% |
41.1% |
| Tend to Agree |
23.6% |
21.2% |
24.7% |
23.4% |
20.5% |
16.4% |
22.5% |
24.3% |
23.9% |
20.7% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
20.5% |
17.9% |
20.9% |
21.5% |
19.1% |
21.2% |
21.4% |
20.0% |
20.5% |
20.2% |
| Tend to Disagree |
10.4% |
7.1% |
10.5% |
11.2% |
9.0% |
6.8% |
9.2% |
11.0% |
10.7% |
6.8% |
| Strongly Disagree |
8.1% |
12.5% |
8.9% |
5.0% |
7.0% |
11.0% |
10.1% |
7.3% |
8.1% |
8.5% |
| I don’t know |
2.0% |
4.3% |
2.5% |
1.1% |
0.8% |
5.5% |
3.1% |
1.4% |
1.9% |
2.8% |
| I would like to access formal care such as nurseries, outside normal working hours. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
24.9% |
25.0% |
22.1% |
24.6% |
35.2% |
32.4% |
23.0% |
25.3% |
24.1% |
33.1% |
| Tend to Agree |
19.0% |
13.6% |
18.2% |
22.9% |
19.3% |
22.8% |
17.3% |
19.4% |
18.7% |
21.1% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
20.6% |
23.4% |
21.5% |
20.3% |
18.3% |
18.6% |
22.7% |
19.9% |
20.9% |
18.3% |
| Tend to Disagree |
19.2% |
14.7% |
19.8% |
21.8% |
16.2% |
6.9% |
16.8% |
20.7% |
20.0% |
11.0% |
| Strongly Disagree |
13.8% |
22.8% |
15.1% |
9.1% |
9.8% |
13.1% |
15.9% |
13.0% |
13.9% |
12.0% |
| I don’t know |
2.6% |
0.5% |
3.4% |
1.2% |
1.3% |
6.2% |
4.3% |
1.7% |
2.4% |
4.5% |
Table 5B: Perceptions of childcare by household income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.
|
Household income group |
Benefit status |
Urban/Rural Classification |
| Low income |
Medium income |
High income |
Benefit reciept |
non benefit reciept |
Large Urban Areas |
Other Urban Areas |
Accessible Small Towns |
Remote Small Towns |
Accessible Rural |
Remote Rural |
| n=333 |
n=2311 |
n=1682 |
n=3229 |
n=1173 |
n=1089 |
n=1040 |
n=463 |
n=156 |
n=541 |
n=355 |
| Here are some common views/perceptions of current early learning and child provision. To what extent do you agree or disagree with them? |
I find it difficult to afford the child care that I need. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
33.9% |
42.9% |
38.9% |
26.1% |
36.6% |
26.3% |
38.6% |
35.5% |
35.0% |
32.7% |
30.9% |
26.2% |
| Tend to Agree |
25.4% |
19.8% |
24.4% |
28.1% |
25.6% |
24.7% |
26.1% |
25.2% |
21.6% |
25.6% |
27.2% |
22.5% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
17.9% |
15.9% |
16.6% |
19.4% |
16.8% |
21.1% |
15.4% |
17.2% |
19.9% |
19.2% |
16.8% |
23.4% |
| Tend to Disagree |
10.5% |
5.7% |
8.2% |
14.8% |
9.3% |
13.6% |
10.8% |
9.7% |
10.6% |
9.6% |
11.3% |
12.1% |
| Strongly Disagree |
10.0% |
9.9% |
9.5% |
10.5% |
9.1% |
12.7% |
7.4% |
10.6% |
11.0% |
11.5% |
11.6% |
11.5% |
| I don’t know |
2.3% |
5.7% |
2.3% |
1.2% |
2.5% |
1.6% |
1.7% |
1.8% |
1.9% |
1.3% |
2.2% |
4.2% |
| Child care providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
20.8% |
21.3% |
19.8% |
22.4% |
21.1% |
20.0% |
24.4% |
21.5% |
23.0% |
12.9% |
18.6% |
15.9% |
| Tend to Agree |
24.7% |
21.3% |
25.5% |
24.7% |
25.5% |
23.1% |
25.6% |
24.2% |
23.9% |
23.2% |
26.0% |
21.5% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
21.0% |
24.6% |
23.4% |
16.8% |
21.1% |
20.2% |
19.9% |
20.3% |
20.4% |
23.2% |
21.4% |
26.6% |
| Tend to Disagree |
19.0% |
12.3% |
17.4% |
22.6% |
18.1% |
21.7% |
17.5% |
19.2% |
18.4% |
25.8% |
19.7% |
16.7% |
| Strongly Disagree |
9.9% |
10.8% |
9.2% |
10.5% |
9.2% |
11.5% |
9.3% |
10.5% |
10.0% |
11.0% |
9.2% |
9.6% |
| I don’t know |
4.6% |
9.6% |
4.6% |
3.1% |
5.0% |
3.5% |
3.3% |
4.3% |
4.3% |
3.9% |
5.0% |
9.6% |
| I feel that I place too much of a burden on family and friends for child care. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
18.8% |
28.8% |
21.6% |
13.7% |
20.2% |
15.1% |
17.8% |
22.5% |
19.0% |
17.3% |
20.3% |
16.5% |
| Tend to Agree |
22.5% |
21.9% |
24.5% |
20.0% |
23.5% |
19.7% |
19.9% |
24.7% |
24.4% |
18.6% |
20.1% |
28.2% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
15.9% |
16.2% |
16.3% |
15.3% |
15.7% |
16.7% |
15.3% |
15.5% |
16.2% |
19.9% |
14.1% |
19.1% |
| Tend to Disagree |
15.1% |
7.5% |
13.8% |
18.8% |
14.6% |
16.4% |
16.4% |
13.7% |
14.0% |
17.9% |
14.9% |
13.7% |
| Strongly Disagree |
26.0% |
22.2% |
22.0% |
31.3% |
24.2% |
31.0% |
29.0% |
22.6% |
24.6% |
22.4% |
28.6% |
21.1% |
| I don’t know |
1.6% |
3.3% |
1.9% |
0.9% |
1.8% |
1.0% |
1.5% |
1.0% |
1.7% |
3.8% |
2.0% |
1.4% |
| I would like to be able to access more childcare hours to allow me to work/train/study. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
44.6% |
54.5% |
48.5% |
38.7% |
46.9% |
38.9% |
48.3% |
45.1% |
48.7% |
42.3% |
45.5% |
37.9% |
| Tend to Agree |
21.6% |
19.6% |
21.6% |
21.9% |
21.4% |
22.0% |
20.5% |
21.8% |
22.3% |
22.4% |
21.3% |
22.5% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
12.4% |
9.9% |
11.0% |
14.9% |
11.8% |
14.1% |
11.6% |
13.7% |
9.3% |
12.2% |
12.2% |
16.2% |
| Tend to Disagree |
9.0% |
4.8% |
6.5% |
13.2% |
8.2% |
11.0% |
9.0% |
8.2% |
7.6% |
10.3% |
8.7% |
8.3% |
| Strongly Disagree |
11.0% |
9.6% |
10.8% |
10.8% |
10.3% |
12.9% |
9.4% |
9.9% |
10.6% |
11.5% |
11.5% |
12.5% |
| I don’t know |
1.3% |
1.5% |
1.6% |
0.6% |
1.4% |
1.0% |
1.2% |
1.3% |
1.5% |
1.3% |
0.9% |
2.6% |
| I would like more choice in the type of child care available to me. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
35.5% |
43.5% |
36.4% |
33.6% |
35.9% |
33.9% |
40.4% |
35.6% |
35.7% |
27.6% |
31.4% |
34.0% |
| Tend to Agree |
23.6% |
18.7% |
24.2% |
23.4% |
23.7% |
23.2% |
23.2% |
23.4% |
26.2% |
21.1% |
26.2% |
21.3% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
20.5% |
18.4% |
20.9% |
20.0% |
20.8% |
19.8% |
18.3% |
22.3% |
18.6% |
25.7% |
19.6% |
25.1% |
| Tend to Disagree |
10.4% |
6.3% |
8.5% |
13.7% |
10.0% |
11.9% |
9.3% |
9.7% |
9.5% |
11.2% |
13.3% |
8.4% |
| Strongly Disagree |
8.1% |
7.9% |
7.7% |
8.2% |
7.4% |
9.9% |
7.8% |
7.0% |
8.0% |
9.9% |
7.6% |
8.6% |
| I don’t know |
2.0% |
5.1% |
2.3% |
1.0% |
2.2% |
1.4% |
1.0% |
2.0% |
1.9% |
4.6% |
2.0% |
2.6% |
| I would like to access formal care such as nurseries, outside normal working hours. n=4485 |
Strongly Agree |
24.9% |
35.1% |
24.9% |
23.4% |
25.4% |
23.9% |
26.6% |
28.4% |
29.4% |
18.2% |
21.6% |
22.3% |
| Tend to Agree |
19.0% |
18.3% |
18.8% |
19.6% |
19.0% |
18.5% |
18.5% |
19.6% |
17.7% |
19.5% |
20.8% |
19.7% |
| Neither Agree nor Disagree |
20.6% |
20.7% |
22.5% |
17.7% |
20.7% |
20.6% |
20.2% |
20.1% |
17.5% |
18.2% |
22.3% |
22.3% |
| Tend to Disagree |
19.2% |
9.9% |
18.0% |
22.8% |
19.2% |
19.3% |
20.2% |
17.0% |
19.3% |
21.4% |
18.6% |
19.4% |
| Strongly Disagree |
13.8% |
9.9% |
13.1% |
15.0% |
12.9% |
16.0% |
11.2% |
13.4% |
13.6% |
18.2% |
14.8% |
13.1% |
| I don’t know |
2.6% |
6.0% |
2.7% |
1.5% |
2.9% |
1.6% |
3.2% |
1.5% |
2.4% |
4.5% |
1.8% |
3.1% |
Appendix 1: Informed consent form and questionnaire with responses:
Informed Consent Form
The Scottish Government propose to increase the free Early Learning and Childcare provision to 1140 hours per year for children who are 3 or 4 years old, as well as for 2 year olds whose parents/carers are on qualifying benefits and are eligible for the 600 hours free entitlement through the Children & Young People’s Act 2014.
We are currently looking for parents of 3 or 4 year olds residing in Scotland to give their views on the following.
- Their current use of child care.
- Whether they would use the increased hours of free child care.
- How they would use the increased hours of child care.
- How their views differ depending on family and work related factors
Data protection
- Your participation is voluntary.
- Your responses will be completely anonymous and no data will be collected that can identify you.
- you are free to withdraw your participation from this study at any time, If you do not want to continue, you can simply leave this website.
- Please only complete this questionnaire once per household.
1: Are you the main carer/parent of a 3 or 4 year old currently living in Scotland (i.e. living with the child)?
Yes
No –skip to last page - thank you for your time..
Do you currently use the free early learning and childcare entitlement for your 3 or 4 year old child? (n=4485)
|
Percent |
| Yes |
86.4 |
| No |
11.2 |
| I don't know |
2.4 |
| Total |
100.0 |
How do you use this entitlement? (n=4485)
|
Percent |
| Local Authority nursery. |
58.9 |
| Private nursery provider (including not for |
32.5 |
| Both. |
8.6 |
| Total |
100.0 |
Why don’t you use free early learning and childcare provision for your 3or4 year old child? (n=501)
| Reason |
Percent |
| Childcare providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. |
17.6 |
| to access the quality of child care they would need. |
0.8 |
| Not enough availability of places within my area. |
25.5 |
| quality. |
3.2 |
| There is no free provision during school holidays. |
14.2 |
| I would still need some private child care. |
25.7 |
| Myself/partner prefers to look after our own child. |
9.8 |
| I prefer for a family member to look after my child |
3.8 |
| I do not qualify for other childcare costs support |
7.8 |
| None of these |
6.4 |
| until a later date. |
20.4 |
| Other (please specify) |
12.1 |
In anaverage week, excluding time spent with a parent, how manyhours do you use the following providers of early learning and childcare for your 3 or 4year old? (n=4485)
| Local Authority nursery |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
6.9 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
44.3 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
2.4 |
| 30+ hours per week |
.9 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
.1 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
45.4 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Private nursery |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
5.1 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
16.1 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
10.5 |
| 30+ hours per week |
10.3 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
.2 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
57.8 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| A family member, friend, or neighbour |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
21.0 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
15.5 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
5.1 |
| 30+ hours per week |
2.0 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
10.3 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
46.0 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Childminder |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
4.8 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
5.7 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
3.2 |
| 30+ hours per week |
1.5 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
.8 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
84.1 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Playgroup |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
5.8 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
2.5 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
.1 |
| 30+ hours per week |
.0 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
1.6 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
90.0 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Preschool |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
1.8 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
7.8 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
.3 |
| 30+ hours per week |
.2 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
.2 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
89.7 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Out of School Club |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
1.8 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
.5 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
.0 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
.4 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
97.2 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Creche |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
1.2 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
.0 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
0 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
1.1 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
97.6 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Children/Family Centre |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
.3 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
.1 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
.0 |
| 30+ hours per week |
.0 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
.3 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
99.2 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Breakfast Club |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
1.7 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
.1 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
.0 |
| 30+ hours per week |
.0 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
.3 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
97.9 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Sitter Service |
|
Percent |
| Up to 10 hours per week |
.6 |
| Between 10 and 20 hours per week |
.1 |
| Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week |
.1 |
| 30+ hours per week |
.0 |
| Occasionally (less than once a week) |
1.7 |
| I do not use this type of childcare |
97.4 |
| Total |
100.0 |
5: What were the main reasons you chose to have your 3or4 year old child in early learning and child care? (pleaseselect all that apply) (n=4479)
| Reason |
Percent |
| So that I could work |
67.9 |
| So that I could look for work |
3.4 |
| So that I could study/ train |
6.3 |
| So that I could look after the home / other children |
11.5 |
| So that I could go shopping / attend an appointment / socialise |
4.6 |
| For my child's educational development |
71.9 |
| Because my child likes spending time with/at the provider |
23.7 |
| Because my child asked to spend time with/at the provider |
3.7 |
| So that my child could take part in a leisure activity |
8.6 |
| Because it was available/offered to me. |
26 |
| So that my child could meet and interact with other children. |
67.3 |
| Not applicable (I do not use child care) |
1.6 |
| I don't know |
0.1 |
| Other (please specify) |
2 |
6: What were your main reasons for your particular choice in early learning and childcare for your 3or4 year old child?(pleaseselect all that apply) (n=4465)
| Reason |
Percent |
| Trust |
53.7 |
| Affordability |
27.3 |
| Convenience |
49.6 |
| Reputation/recommendation |
54.6 |
| Qualifications of staff |
29.7 |
| Social opportunities for child |
43.7 |
| No other options were available |
8.9 |
| Reliability |
27.5 |
| Educational opportunities |
50.1 |
| Availability of subsidies |
5.4 |
| Good quality/inspection report |
41.5 |
| Not Applicable (I do not use Child Care) |
1.7 |
| I don't know |
0.5 |
7:Here are some common views/perceptions of current early learning and child care provision. To what extent do you agree or disagree with them? (n=4443)
| I find it difficult toafford the child care that I need. |
|
Percent |
| Strongly disagree |
10.0 |
| Tend to disagree |
10.5 |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
17.9 |
| Tend to Agree |
25.4 |
| Strongly agree |
33.9 |
| I don’t know |
2.3 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| Child care providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. |
|
Percent |
| Strongly disagree |
9.9 |
| Tend to disagree |
19.0 |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
21.0 |
| Tend to Agree |
24.7 |
| Strongly agree |
20.8 |
| I don’t know |
4.6 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| I feel that I place too much of a burden on family and friends for child care. |
|
Percent |
| Strongly disagree |
26.0 |
| Tend to disagree |
15.1 |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
15.9 |
| Tend to Agree |
22.5 |
| Strongly agree |
18.8 |
| I don't know |
1.6 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| I would like to be able to access more childcare hours to allow me to work/train/study. |
|
Percent |
| Strongly disagree |
11.0 |
| Tend to disagree |
9.0 |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
12.4 |
| Tend to Agree |
21.6 |
| Strongly agree |
44.6 |
| I don't know |
1.3 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| I would like more choice in the type of child care available to me. |
|
Percent |
| Strongly disagree |
8.1 |
| Tend to disagree |
10.4 |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
20.5 |
| Tend to Agree |
23.6 |
| Strongly agree |
35.5 |
| I don’t know |
2.0 |
| Total |
100.0 |
| I would like to access formal care such as nurseries, outside normalworking hours. |
|
Percent |
| Strongly disagree |
13.8 |
| Tend to disagree |
19.2 |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
20.6 |
| Tend to Agree |
19.0 |
| Strongly agree |
24.9 |
| I don’t know |
2.6 |
| Total |
100.0 |
8: Which of the following options would you be most likely to consider using for your 3 or 4 year old? (n=4475)
| |
Percent |
| Term time only – 6 hours/day, 5 days a week (covering the school day, 9am-3pm) |
21.3 |
| Term time only but a different pattern of hours to suit your needs (e.g. 3 or 4 days per week but longer days) |
17.9 |
| Year round – e.g. 22.8 hours a week over 50 weeks |
40.9 |
| I do not think I will use any of the free child care hours |
5.0 |
| I would only like to use some of the additional hours offered |
9.8 |
| I don’t know |
2.5 |
| Other |
2.6 |
| Total |
100.0 |
8B: If you were to take up the increased hours of free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old, how would this effect your own work/life pattern? (n=4230)
| |
Percent |
| I would use the time to work more hours |
37.5 |
| I would use the time to seek out part time work |
9.6 |
| I would use the time to seek out full time work |
3.9 |
| I would use the time to study |
4.6 |
| I would lower my hours at work |
1.8 |
| I would use the time for voluntary or community work |
1.6 |
| My work/life pattern would not change |
31.2 |
| I don't know |
2.3 |
| Other (please specify) |
7.4 |
| Total |
100.0 |
9: Apart from yourself,who lives in your household? (Please tick all that apply) (n=4464)
| Person |
Percent |
| One or more children under the age of 5 |
78 |
| One or more children between 5 and 15 |
40.5 |
| Yoru partner |
81.1 |
| One or more other adult relatives |
3.4 |
| Other (please specify) |
1.4 |
10: What is your marital status? (n=4472)
|
Percent |
| Married; |
74.0 |
| Living with partner; |
16.4 |
| Single, |
6.5 |
| Divorced, |
.7 |
| Separated or Widow. |
2.4 |
| Total |
100.0 |
11: Which of thesebestdescribes your ethnic group? (n=4468)
|
Percent |
| White - Scottish |
79.3 |
| White – Other British |
12.4 |
| White – Irish |
1.2 |
| White - Polish |
1.0 |
| White – Other |
3.0 |
| Pakistani |
.7 |
| Indian |
.5 |
| Bangladeshi |
.0 |
| Chinese |
.4 |
| Black – African |
.4 |
| Black – Carribean |
.0 |
| Black – Other |
.0 |
| Arab |
.1 |
| Mixed or multiple ethnic group |
.4 |
| Other (please specify) |
.5 |
| Total |
100.0 |
12: Do you, (or someone else in your household), drive? (n=4428)
|
Percent |
| Yes |
94.9 |
| No |
5.1 |
| Total |
100.0 |
13: What benefits, if any, do you currently receive? (Pleaseselect all that
| Benefit |
Percent |
| Universal credit |
0.3 |
| Working tax credit |
13.4 |
| Child tax credit |
26.7 |
| Jobseekers allowance |
0.4 |
| Housing benefit |
5.5 |
| Child benefit |
63 |
| Income Support |
2.6 |
| Disability living allowance |
2.4 |
| Employment and support allowance |
0.7 |
| Carers allowance |
1.4 |
| Lone parents benefit |
0 |
| Guardians allowance |
0 |
| Maternity allowance |
2.4 |
| None of these |
26.1 |
| I don’t know |
0.7 |
| Other |
0.5 |
14: Including yourself, how many adults in your household currently have a job, either as an employee or self- employed? (this includes if they are on maternity or sick leave). If none in your household currently have a job please type '0' (n=4485)
| # |
Percent |
| 0 |
3.3 |
| 1 |
26.5 |
| 2 |
68.7 |
| 3 |
1.2 |
| 4 |
.2 |
| Total |
100.0 |
15: What is your current employment pattern? (n=4464)
|
Percent |
| Employed (fixed hours each week) |
61.0 |
| Employed (shift work) |
5.6 |
| Employed (different number of hours and |
7.6 |
| Self-employed |
9.7 |
| Unemployed and looking |
4.5 |
| Student |
1.7 |
| Retired |
.1 |
| Unemployed and not looking |
9.9 |
| Total |
100.0 |
16: What is your highest level of qualification? (n=4439)
|
Percent |
| School leaving certificate/ new national Qualification Access |
1.7 |
| Standard Grade/O-grade/CSE/Senior Certificate or eq |
7.5 |
| GSVQ Foundation or Intermediate/SVQ level 1 or 2/ SCOTVEC |
2.7 |
| Higher Grade/Higher Still/CSYS/A level |
8.2 |
| GSVQ Advanced/SVQ level 3/ONC/ OND/ Scotvec ND |
4.5 |
| City and Guilds; HNC/HND/SVQ 4 or 5 |
14.3 |
| First Degree/Higher Degree |
26.0 |
| Professional Qualifications |
14.6 |
| Postgraduate qualifications (PhD, Masters degree) |
19.1 |
| None of these |
1.4 |
| Total |
100.0 |
17. What is your postcode? (n=4485)
18: Which local authority area do you live in? (n=4359)
|
Percent |
| Aberdeen |
5.1 |
| Aberdeenshire |
9.3 |
| Angus |
1.4 |
| Argyll and Bute |
2.5 |
| Clackmannanshire |
.5 |
| Dumfries and Galloway |
3.1 |
| Dundee |
1.0 |
| East Ayrshire |
2.7 |
| East Dunbartonshire |
3.0 |
| East Lothian |
3.9 |
| East Renfrewshire |
4.0 |
| Edinburgh |
7.9 |
| Falkirk |
1.9 |
| Fife |
5.2 |
| Glasgow |
6.8 |
| Highland |
4.7 |
| Inverclyde |
1.0 |
| Midlothian |
2.4 |
| Moray |
2.3 |
| Na h-Eileanan Siar |
1.0 |
| North Ayrshire |
1.9 |
| North Lanarkshire |
2.9 |
| Orkney |
1.4 |
| Perth and Kinross |
3.5 |
| Renfrewshire |
5.9 |
| Scottish Borders |
.9 |
| Shetland |
3.0 |
| South Ayrshire |
.9 |
| South Lanarkshire |
2.4 |
| Stirling |
2.1 |
| West Dunbartonshire |
1.8 |
| West Lothian |
3.7 |
19: What is your annual household income (including benefits, before tax) (n=4344)
|
Percent |
| 1. Under £4,500 |
.7 |
| 2. £4,500 - £6,499 |
.9 |
| 3. £6,500 - £7,499 |
.9 |
| 4. £7,500 – £9,499 |
1.3 |
| 5. £9,500 - £11,499 |
1.8 |
| 6. £11,500 - £13,499 |
2.1 |
| 7. £13,500 – 15,499 |
1.9 |
| 8. £15,500 - £17,499 |
3.0 |
| 9. £17,500 - £24,999 |
7.9 |
| 10. £25,000 - £29,999 |
8.1 |
| 11. £30,000 - £39,999 |
15.8 |
| 12. £40,000 - £49,999 |
16.8 |
| 13. £50,000 - £75,999 |
24.9 |
| 14. £75,000 - £99,999 |
9.1 |
| 15 £100,000 or over |
4.7 |
| Total |
100.0 |
