Parents want more money for child care

Parents want big businesses to help pay for affordable child care rather than subsidise nannies, a national advocacy group says.

A survey of 1200 mums and dads across the country found 90 per cent of them want Prime Minister Tony Abbott to invest the money earmarked for his paid parental leave scheme into early childhood education and care.

Mr Abbott will revamp his policy during the summer holidays in a bid to win Senate support next year.

He has said the scheme, to be funded by a 1.5 per cent tax on big businesses, would involve more money for child care after a previous version looked at a rebate for parents using carers in the family home.

The Parenthood, a national lobby group, says its survey shows parents' biggest obstacle was finding affordable and quality childcare spots.

"Women are reporting that child care is just too expensive and that it's not worth working more hours or returning to work even though they want to," The Parenthood spokeswoman Jo Briskey said.

"Only about 10 per cent of parents have said that money should go to subsidising nannies.

"That's because the vast majority of parents are seeking high quality, affordable child care."