New concerns about how much childcare is too much

April 6, 2026 — 5:00am

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The revelation that Australian children who spend 40 hours a week in childcare struggle with social competence and emotional maturity is certain to exacerbate concerns about the childcare sector.

A federal Department of Education study pinpointed the potential negative impact of 40 hours but it also found children clocking up more than 30 hours risked an increase in developmental vulnerability rates that can predict worse longer term mental health, wellbeing and academic outcomes.

But to little surprise, the study found it was the quality of childcare that mattered.

It found centres that offered lower quality care also........

© The Sydney Morning Herald