An increasing number of local authorities are warning they do not have enough childcare places available, a new survey has revealed.
Coram Family and Childcare’s 21st annual Childcare Survey shows that only 57% of local authorities say they have enough childcare places available for children under 2, down from 72% in 2021.
Only 59% report they have enough childcare available for parents working full time, down from 68% last year.
The survey highlights increasing gaps in childcare for children with SEND, with only 21% of local authorities having enough childcare.
It also reveals an increase in the cost of childcare, with parents now paying 2.5% more for children under two and 3.5% more for 3-4-year-olds than they were a year ago.
The number of children accessing early years entitlements has also dropped in the past year and the charity warns this impacts the most disadvantaged children the most.
Around four in ten local authorities have seen a decrease in the number of children using free early education entitlements.
Ellen Broomé, managing director of Coram Family and Childcare, said: 'We are disappointed that amid an ongoing cost of living crisis, and off the back of a pandemic which has severely impacted children’s life chances, the Government has again refused to review childcare funding and availability.
'Many parents, up and down the country, will be locked out of work or struggle to make ends meet as childcare prices continue to go up and the availability of places goes down. And the more vulnerable children will miss out the most on this boost to their development and outcomes.'
Coram Family and Childcare is calling on the Government to double the early years premium, extend eligibility of the 30 hours provision and increase the maximum amount of childcare costs paid under Universal Credit.
