FAMILIES are helping with research which will mould the shape of future childcare in the region.
Sure Start County Durham, managed by Durham County Council, has commissioned independent research to investigate current and future childcare needs of parents and carers.
Morgan's Research will conduct the telephone survey by asking about the ease of finding childcare, costs and use of Tax Credits.
The project hopes to show how childcare impacts on economic activity and the ability to set up, operate or expand a business.
"Childcare places across the county have expanded, but there is currently a gap in up-to-date research information,'' said Peter Kiernan of SureStart County Durham.
"We want to find out if the childcare available fits the needs of families. We might discover that, in a particular area for instance, childminders is the preferred choice and we need to commit more resources to recruitment, training and retention of childminders to meet that need,'' he said.
Care might also be needed at night or in early morning, he said
For information about the research, telephone 0191-383 4491.
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