Thousands back call for independent review of childcare funding

A petition, set up by founder of motherhood charity Pregnant Then Screwed Joely Brearly, calling for the review has so far amassed more than 95,000 signatures in just under two weeks. It is calling for the government to commission an independent review of childcare funding and affordability, stating that “we have the second most expensive childcare system in the world”. “A full-time place costs, on average, £14,000 per year, making it completely unaffordable for many families. Parents are forced to leave their jobs or work fewer hours, which has a negative impact on the economy and on child poverty,” Brearly states. She adds that childcare workers are “paid so badly” that one in 10 are recorded as living in poverty. Read more.