The childcare charity, in partnership with the Bounty Parenting Club, surveyed 2,500 mothers and asked how the political parties' childcare policies would affect their voting in the General Election.
They found that respondents considered the 12.5 hours a week free childcare all threeand four-year-olds are entitled to the most important childcare policy, with 69 per cent saying they would be less likely to vote for a party that reduced or removed the free entitlement.
The survey also found that a removal or reduction in tax credits would make 67 per cent of mothers less likely to vote for a party that cut them.
Mothers also championed Sure Start Children's Centres and the Child Trust Fund, with 54 per cent and 57 per cent respectively saying that any party that failed to protect these initiatives would suffer at the polls.
Alison Garnham, chief executive of Daycare Trust, said, 'Our survey shows that any party hoping for success at this election must prove they are serious about giving families the support they need, and set out a clear commitment to invest in childcare.'
She added, 'It is firm policy promises on issues such as flexible working, more financial help with childcare, and improved childcare provision that will not only win votes but also really deliver support for families.'
In the wake of the survey, the Daycare Trust has published its childcare charter, outlining the policies that will make a real difference to families. These are:
- Aim to spend one per cent of GDP on early childhood education and care so that all children get the best start in life
- Extend free places to 20 hours, 48 weeks a year, for twoto four-year-olds
- Extend parental leave and make workplaces family-friendly
- Fill the gaps in provision and guarantee extended schools
- Make childcare affordable for all parents
- Celebrate Sure Start Children's Centres and extend the range of services on offer.