UK Childminders Share Their Perspectives on Poverty

I have two contacts in the UK.  Sharon is a registered childminder near Beaconsfield, northeast of London.  She currently cares for five children in her home.  Amanda is a nursery assistant in Durham. 

I asked both women the question regarding poverty.  Sharon stated that she is most concerned about the future.  She says more and more children are living in poverty and it seems to be an issue that is growing instead of getting better.  She says the biggest issue she sees with the families she interacts is the stress that comes with job loss.  She say she has lost two families in the past year due to the loss of a job.

Amanda mentioned feeling a sense of helplessness when she encounters children who don't have enough food.  The nursery school she works for sends groceries home on Fridays with families who qualify.  She says she is aware of four families involved with the nursery who have moved more than once in recent years because of the need for less expensive housing. 

I expected to hear stories and concerns from Sharon and Amanda that are similar to the experiences of families and professionals in the US.  From their descriptions, it sounds like families are struggling with the same elements of poverty in the UK: job loss, lack of access to adequate nutrition, and inability to afford housing.

So far in my conversations I have learned the differing terms used in child care in the UK.  Aside from that, however, many things are similar.  I have particularly enjoyed hearing about Sharon's experiences as a in-home provider and seeing the parallels between her work and home child care providers' work in the US.