Laura Sharman 09 March 2021

A third of councils see closure of childcare providers

A third of councils see closure of childcare providers image

Over a third (35%) of local authorities in England have seen a rise in the number of childcare providers permanently closing down in the last year, according to an annual survey.

The Childcare Survey 2021, published by Coram Family and Childcare, also found 39% of local authorities said providers have increased their prices, with 32% reporting a reduction in the number of free early education entitlement places as a result of the pandemic.

Three in ten have also seen providers increase the number of children looked after by each staff member in a bid to remain sustainable during COVID-19.

The survey did find over two-thirds of local authorities had enough childcare to meet demand for parents working full time. However, the charity warned this was due to deceased demand during the pandemic rather than increases in the supply of childcare.

Overall, the survey reveals that childcare costs have risen by 4%, with parents now paying an average of £7,000 per year for a part-time nursery place for a child under two

Megan Jarvie, head of Coram Family and Childcare, said: ‘There remains a risk that many providers could close, leaving more families struggling to find the childcare that they need, or that costs could further increase, at a time when family finances have already been stretched by the pandemic. Financial support from the Government has helped childcare providers to stay afloat, but we don’t know what the effects will be when this support ends.

’We’re calling for the Government to take urgent steps to improve the system now and in the longer-term so that every child can access the high quality childcare that supports their early development.’

The report calls on governments to launch a funding review for the free early education entitlements, reform universal credit, double the early years pupil premium and extend free childcare provision to families where parents are in training.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner