The recommendations in the HEPI report “Who cares? How postgraduate parents fall through the gap for government childcare grants and how to fix it” align with our recent findings on higher education delivery models in Wales. We agree that financial support should be available to all students, regardless of their level or mode of study, to ensure equitable access.
Building on this, I’d like to propose an additional recommendation focused on the role higher education institutions can play in improving childcare provision. Many universities, including the one where I began my career, once offered excellent on-site nurseries. However, there’s been a trend of divestment from these services, often justified by claims that childcare isn’t part of the “core business” of universities or driven by financial considerations due to the high costs of quality childcare.
If we accept the argument that access to childcare is crucial for fostering a diverse and innovative workforce, shouldn’t we reconsider the role of universities in providing these services? Perhaps it’s time to think creatively about childcare provision at our institutions.
For inspiration, we could look to companies like Patagonia, which has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting working parents. Patagonia’s on-site childcare program, established in 1983, has proven beneficial not only for employees but also for the company itself. The program has led to higher employee retention, particularly among women, and has fostered a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
By reimagining childcare as an integral part of the university ecosystem institutions could:
- Attract and retain a more diverse student body and workforce
- Provide real-world learning opportunities for students in relevant fields (e.g., early childhood education, child psychology)
- Conduct research on early childhood development and education
- Demonstrate a tangible commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly policies
While the initial investment may be substantial, the long-term benefits in terms of diversity, innovation, and community building could far outweigh the costs. As we continue to evolve our understanding of what constitutes the “core business” of universities in the 21st century, perhaps it’s time to recognize that supporting the whole person – including their family responsibilities – is essential to creating truly inclusive and dynamic centers of learning and research.
