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The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment following the publication of Ofsted sector statistics which included the number of Ofsted-registered early years providers on 31 August 2023. 

The data, which can be read shows the following:

• On 31 August 2023, 62,300 childcare and early years providers were registered with Ofsted, down by 3,320 (5%) since 31 August 2022
• In total, there were 1.26 million childcare and early years places, down by 17,800 (1%) on the previous year
• In the period, 27,000 childminders were registered with Ofsted, reflecting a drop of 2,580 on the previous year

Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said:

“The fact that early years places have dropped by 17,800 within the last year is incredibly concerning, especially given that we are just months away from the start of the early entitlement expansion. 

“For years now, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders have faced a raft of challenges, including severe underfunding and acute staffing shortages, as a direct result of government underfunding, leaving many with no options but to limit the number of places they are able to offer, or in the worst cases, close completely.  

“And yet, instead of trying to address these challenges by putting in place adequate support and funding, the government has only served to make the situation worse by piling more pressure on providers by announcing plans to expand the existing offer. 

“If urgent action isn’t taken to address both plummeting provider numbers and decline in available places, not only is the extended entitlement offer likely to fall flat on its face, but it will soon become close to impossible for nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to even meet existing demand.  

“With the Autumn Statement just days away, we urge the government to recognise just how serious a crisis the sector is in and put meaningful action in place to tackle the significant challenges facing providers, before we reach a point of no return.â€�