Childcare Provision in Northern Ireland: Exploring the Mental Health Impact for Families and Providers

Summary

Childcare costs are a significant concern for families across the UK, with unique challenges faced by parents and providers in Northern Ireland (NI) (Curristan et al., 2023). A recent position paper highlighted for many families living in NI, there remains insufficient access to appropriate childcare and early years support, and the cost is too high (Equality Commissions for NI., 2024). In NI, the average cost of a full-time childcare place is approximately £10,036 per year (Childcare Survey NI, 2023). The average spend on childcare for families in NI is £9,360 per year, rising to £14,148 per year for families with one or more children under 5 who use formal childcare only (Childcare Survey NI, 2023).

Research indicates that rising childcare costs have far reaching impacts, affecting, parental employment decisions, financial stability, and overall well-being (Glass, Simon, & Andersson, 2016), while childcare providers contend with issues such as sustainability, staff retention and challenges around limited funding (Equality Commissions., 2024; Hart et al., 2023).

Given the critical role of childcare in supporting family well-being, economic stability, and child development (Equality Commissions., 2024), there is an urgent need for further research into the impacts for families and childcare providers. Little research has investigated the mental health impact of rising childcare costs for families and childcare providers in NI, despite its unique socio-political challenges. Understanding the impact of childcare expenses on both parents and childcare providers is essential to formulating effective policies that ensure accessible, high-quality care for all families.

A mixed methods approach will be used to explore the impacts of childcare costs (for families and childcare providers), with the following programme of planned research:
1. Systematic Review: Examining experiences and mental health outcomes associated with childcare costs (for families and childcare providers).
2. Large scale quantitative survey: Investigating the experiences and associated impacts of childcare costs for families and childcare providers living in NI.
3. Qualitative Interviews with families using childcare in NI
4. Qualitative focus groups with NI childcare providers

Please note:  Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.