17th September 2025
Childcare costs affecting working parents throughout UK
As in Northern Ireland, a recent report shows that working parents in Wales also struggle with high childcare costs and some believe families are being pushed out of work and into poverty.
A report by the charity The Bevan Foundation said the soaring cost of childcare in Wales is beyond the reach of many, with some families now limiting the number of children they are having due to costs. The Bevan Foundation aims to inform people about social and economic problems, and Dr Steffan Evans, head of policy believes there is a lack of support for families with the youngest children who are missing out on all the opportunities childcare provides.
Childcare policies differ across the UK and some parents want the Welsh government to extend funded childcare to young children between nine months and two years old, like in England. In Wales three and four years old qualify for 30 hours of free childcare for 48 weeks of the year. if their parents either work or are in training. This provision is for working parents, but unlike in England, it is also available to parents in training and education and includes some flexible holiday provision which can be taken throughout the year.
Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, described the rising costs as a major concern, saying that poverty among children in Wales has reached a “new low”.
Employers For Childcare carried out annual childcare surveys in Northern Ireland. Frequently the link between childcare costs and a career crisis for women was mentioned, with too many saying they have to borrow money month to month just to get by, this highlights the impact that high childcare costs can have on both mental and financial health.