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<p>The reporting year 2021 ‘Childcare and early years survey of parents’ has findings
on parents’ views on ideal working arrangements. The results of this survey are available
at: <a href="https://www.explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/childcare-and-early-years-survey-of-parents/2021"
target="_blank">https://www.explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/childcare-and-early-years-survey-of-parents/2021</a>,
including table 8.12. In 2021, 39% of working mothers of 0-14 year olds stated they
would give up work to look after their children, and 58% would work fewer hours, if
they could afford it.</p><p>The department recognises the valuable role that informal
and family childcare arrangements play in supporting working parents, giving them
additional flexibilities. The department is determined to support as many families
as possible with access to high-quality, affordable childcare, which is why the Spring
Budget 2023 announced the single largest investment in childcare ever. There are no
current plans to look at the potential merits of introducing an individual childcare
budget to support parents with informal childcare arrangements.</p><p>In 2021 children
under one spent a median of 17.4 hours per week (note very small sample sizes) and
one-year-olds a median of 18 hours per week in formal childcare. This data is not
published broken down by household income. Table 1.7, also taken from reporting year
2021 ‘Childcare and early years survey of parents’, contains further information.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no figures available for 2020. Data for 2022
is due to be published on 27 July 2023.</p>
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