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How do childcare co‑operatives provide solutions to the barriers to childcare that both parents and workers face?

Availability: Traditional working patterns and family structures have changed dramatically in recent years, but many childcare services have yet to evolve to meet the needs of today's parents and children.

Co‑operative solution: Co‑operative childcare delivers flexibility and responsiveness.  The close relationship between childcare worker and parent that is inbuilt in the co‑operative approach ensures that the business is shaped to respond to the changing needs of the children and parents using the service.

Staff turnover: Many childcare services suffer from a high staff turnover due to low pay, lack of training and low morale.  This has a direct impact on the children and their parents, as well as causing problems for staff and employers.

Co‑operative solution: Co‑operatives know that well trained employees not only provide excellent care but they can also contribute to the effective running of the business.  Giving employees the opportunity to share this responsibility gives staff a more positive outlook and job satisfaction, creating a strongly motivated staff team and low staff turnover.  It also strengthens the recruitment process and training costs fall.  Co‑operatives have the edge in recruiting and retaining the best employees due to their attractive employment benefits and excellent working conditions.

Quality: Recent media coverage, Ofsted reports and user experiences highlight huge variations in the quality of care.

Co‑operative solution: A stable, well-trained and committed staff team combined with the financial stability of the co‑operative model to create a sound platform for the delivery of consistent high quality care.  Involvement of parents in shaping their children's learning experiences and care also contributes to childcare that really does meet the needs of the family and the community.

Costs: Childcare costs in the UK are the highest in Europe

Co‑operative solution: The private sector has raised the cost of childcare due to the enormous demand.  Government support is only adequate for some.  Co‑operative childcare delivers value for money because profits are not taken out of the service by absent owners and shareholders, but reinvested in the business and the local community.  Co‑operative childcare offers a cost effective solution.