The research, published at the start of this week's National Childcare Week, found that staff are regarded by parents as the most significant factor in the provision of high-quality childcare. But two-thirds of parents are aware that the sector is lowly paid, while 19 per cent of parents believe that childcare staff are generally well-paid.
Most parents (60 per cent) said the Government should contribute more to the cost of childcare, while 41 per cent said employers and 16 per cent said parents themselves should pay more. The top three improvements parents wanted were more affordable provision (43 per cent), more places available (38 per cent) and more employer support with childcare (38 per cent).
The National Day Nurseries Association called for the Government to directly subsidise childcare. Chief executive Rosemary Murphy said, 'If we are to pay nursery staff in the private and voluntary sector a basic salary of just Pounds 13,000, then we predict a rise in cost of provision to above 200 a place per week.
'The massive drive for expansion can no longer be sustained at the cost of the childcare workers. Providers are struggling to keep staff and they recognise the need to raise salaries, but are only too aware that parents are not able or willing to foot the bill.
'Unless the Government is prepared to consider subsidies commensurate with the true cost, then their aims to provide high-quality, accessible and affordable childcare will never be met.'
Daycare Trust director Stephen Burke said, 'Childcare staff are the key to quality services. But too often they are poorly paid - this is clearly recognised by parents. If we value children, we must value the people who look after children.'
The survey also revealed that only one in ten working parents said their employer provides help with childcare. Full-time working parents said their top priority was contributions to nursery costs, while part-time workers prioritised holiday playschemes.
Dave Prentis, general secretary of the public sector union Unison, said, 'We know from our members that employers' contributions to childcare are woefully inadequate.
'Employers should see investment in childcare as an investment in their workforce. Quality childcare doesn't come cheap and that means that it has to be subsidised not only from the public purse but also by employers - but the benefits that employers gain are obvious.'
