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CHILDCARE NEEDS SURVEY

By admin on Friday, February 5, 2010
Filed Under: Community

Guernsey News, 5 February 2010 – MORE than 1,000 households have been contacted by researchers for the Policy Council investigating childcare issues in the Bailiwick.

The Policy Council’s Social Policy Group commissioned IFF Research towards the end of last year to carry out a telephone interview survey of 2,000 households in the islands. The survey is seeking respondents’ views on childcare and how children, and the issue of childcare, can impact on working and family life.

Deputy Hunter Adam, Chair of the Social Policy Group, said that the survey was progressing well. It continues this month and possibly into March.

But some inquiries had been raised by those surveyed, about the times they were called and the type of questions asked.

“We have had a few inquires about the survey” said Deputy Adam, “in particular, because the interviews are being carried out during late afternoon/early evening. People aren’t expecting to be called at that time but it is deliberate so that we catch people when they are at home.”

The survey covers issues such as the type of childcare the household uses and for what ages of children, reasons for using or not using childcare, experiences and opinions on the childcare options available and perceptions of the use of childcare in general.

People will also be asked a few questions in relation to household income, benefits and tenure and ages to ensure that responses are obtained from a broad and representative range of households.

“I apologise if people find these questions intrusive, but they are necessary for the integrity of the survey,’ added Deputy Adam. ‘I can reassure people that unless they specifically give their name and contact details, and agree to them being passed on to the Policy Council, the responses given to the Policy Council by IFF Research will be anonymous.”

If anyone invited to take part in the survey wants to check who is calling before they respond to the questions, they can ask the IFF researcher to call back at a day and time of their choosing. They can also contact IFF research on 0207 250 3035 to verify that the caller is genuine or ask to be sent a letter of reassurance from the company.

The Social Policy Group hopes to use the information to take a report to the States in late 2010 or early 2011 on how the quality, availability and affordability of childcare in the Islands can be improved. Further information about the survey is available at www.gov.gg/ChildcareNeedsSurvey

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