Experiences of childcare in England and socio‐emotional development at 36 months

Abstract

In an English sample of 1016 families, use of childcare was investigated at 3, 10, 18 and 36 months. Child behaviour problems and social competence were assessed at 36 months by maternal questionnaire. There was no effect of the amount or type of childcare on disruptive behaviour at 36 months, the main predictors being maternal minority ethnic background and previous harsh maternal behaviour. Compliance and expressiveness were predicted by maternal sensitivity. Expressive behaviour was also associated with more childcare from 19 to 36 months, specifically nanny or nursery care. Overall there was no evidence of adverse consequences of childcare in the first three years, and some limited evidence of benefits.

Keywords:

• childcare
• outcomes
• quality
• parenting
• behaviour problems

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the families and carers who participated in the study. We are indebted to the Tedworth Charitable Trust and the Glass‐House Trust for funding the study.

Notes

¹FCCC Team: Beverley Davies, Jenny Godlieb, Lindsay Hague, Denise Jennings, Michelle Nichols, Bina Ram, Angela Triner and Jo Walker.