William Eichler 13 March 2025

Childcare providers warn of cuts to funded places

Childcare providers warn of cuts to funded places image
Image: maxim ibragimov / Shutterstock.com.

Nurseries, preschools and childminders face a ‘perfect storm of challenges’ amid the expansion of the Government's funded childcare scheme, a new survey reveals.

Nearly six in 10 early years settings expect to cut the number of funded places they offer for three- and four-year-olds, or to opt out of offering funded places completely, according to the Early Years Alliance (EYA) survey.

The online survey, which received over 1,100 responses from early years providers, also found nearly all (94%) expect to increase fees for non-funded hours, and 77% expect to introduce or increase charges for extras like nappies, meals and trips.

Neil Leitch, CEO of the EYA, said the survey should ‘set alarm bells ringing across government.’

‘At a time when ministers are looking to significantly expand the early entitlement scheme, we have a huge proportion of providers warning that the exact opposite is likely, with many forced to limit funded places or opt out of the offers entirely due to unsustainable financial pressures.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner