To think if childcare was free or heavily subsidised it would solve a lot of problems?

[Dormouse14]

I can't think who it wouldn't benefit.

A good nursery or childminder that was provided for by the state - as schools are - would enable parents who want to work to do so meaning there wasn't a reliance on benefits for single parents and they'd then be paying tax.

Some children would benefit greatly - I mean children who perhaps don't come from orderly homes.

I'm not saying everyone would have to send their child but if the option was there! wouldn't it make a difference to many people?

Exactly Statistically . Afaik all but one of the childminders live out of watchmen and their children are past primary. To answer the original question I think subsidised rather than free would be best. In Germany and Austria it is related to income and number of children which makes sense imo.

I think a combination of subsidising the fees via parents, and providing targeted help in those areas where there is a shortage to help with set up and early running costs to encourage new businesses. Around here there is a dire shortage especially of after school care but it costs an awful lot to get a business going and keep it afloat until it gets enough children to break even.