POVERTY campaigners will urge the Welsh government today to change its childcare policies to tackle inequality.

The Bevan Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report on childcare concludes that the Welsh government must change its approach to better tackle disadvantage.

Bevan Foundation policy head Dr Steffan Evans said: “The cost of childcare is locking many Welsh parents out of work and denying children access to the opportunities provided by good-quality childcare. 

“While it is positive to see that the Welsh government are taking steps to address this by expanding funded childcare to two-year-olds, the fact that there are no plans in place to support parents with younger children is a major concern.”

The charities say the average cost for a full-time nursery spot for a child under two is £13,049 — and 70 per cent of Welsh parents with their youngest child under the age of 10 think that the cost of childcare is unaffordable. 

Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Louise Woodruff said: “Childcare can be a key tool in tackling disadvantage.

“This potential is not currently being achieved, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds starting school behind their peers.”

Dr Evans said: “We are calling on the Welsh government to develop a radical new childcare offer that provides funded good-quality part-time care to all children from the end of maternity leave until they start school.

“This offer should be available for all parents irrespective of their work status, with additional hours available on a sliding scale of fees for parents who want them.”