Research by Coram Family and Childcare

Childcare Survey 2026

In our Childcare Survey 2026, we look back over 25 years of data collection on the cost of childcare since the first survey in 2001.

Effective hybrid work and childcare

Hybrid work has increased amongst parents since the pandemic – but are all families experiencing positive effects for work-family balance, health and wellbeing?

What are the patterns of hybrid work and childcare arrangements for families? How have they changed over time?
Which patterns of hybrid work and childcare are more “effective” in improving work-life balance, health and wellbeing for both mothers and fathers, in different circumstances?

These are some of the questions that our new comprehensive research programme will explore. Funded by the Nuffield Foundation the Hybrid work and childcare research programme is led by Dr Naomi Finch of the University of York, with Professor Katharina Bader in collaboration with charities Coram Family and Childcare and Working Families, and research consultant Ivana La Valle.

Early education entitlements – the disadvantage gap

Holiday Childcare Survey 2025

In its 20th annual survey, Coram Family and Childcare finds that summer holiday childcare costs in Great Britain have risen by 4% in the last year, with working parents now facing an average bill of £179 per child per week – £1,075 for the six-week break.

Launch Event October 2024: Early education for disadvantaged children

Understanding the take-up of early education entitlements

This research study was funded by the Nuffield Foundation and was undertaken by the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities and Coram Family and Childcare with Ivana La Valle.

Childcare Survey 2024

In its 24th annual survey, Coram Family and Childcare reveals continued decrease in the availability of childcare in England, across all areas of provision. Ahead of the childcare expansion roll-out from April, councils raise concerns over delivery of the policy and availability of places.

Expansion of funded early education places – an update

Following the April 2024 expansion, we have again surveyed local authorities about the expansion to funded early education entitlements to find out how they are going and how confident they feel about the upcoming delivery of the remaining two phases.