Evaluation of the Parents, Childcare and Employment (PaCE) Project: final summative evaluation

This report summarises the earlier stages of the evaluation, the project’s Theory of Change and PaCE’s relevance in the 2022 policy climate.

Effects and impacts of PaCE

PaCE has undoubtedly delivered on its main aim of helping non-working parents to move into employment. The analysis estimates that by October 2021, 1,567 more individuals (than otherwise would have) had found work. PaCE involvement is also likely to have accelerated the transition into work of still more participants.

PaCE has also had wider effects. For participants these have been: increased confidence; a greater sense of purpose; fulfilment, social connection; having more money and providing a good role model for their children. For participants’ families, these have been: children blossoming as a result of experiencing formal childcare and having more structure to their lives.

The programme has, however, been less successful than originally anticipated in helping participants to gain qualifications/work related certifications or in moving young people into education or training.

Reports