Laura Sharman 22 March 2022

Survey reveals drop in the availability of childcare places

Survey reveals drop in the availability of childcare places  image
Image: Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock.com

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.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner