Average access to early years settings across England has declined, Ofsted analysis shows
by Jess Gibson
Ofsted data analysis published today shows that average access to early years settings in England has fallen since March 2020.
The data, produced as part of a wider collaboration with the Office for National Statistics (ONS), also highlights that families with lower household incomes and higher levels of deprivation have been impacted more by decreased access.
Other key findings from the research:
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The change in early education access has not been evenly spread across the country.
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Parts of the country that experience persistently low access to childcare are those that are disproportionately deprived and lower than average incomes.
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Parts of the country experiencing consistently high access to childcare tend to be advantaged areas with higher household incomes
Ofsted analysis of the data states: “In the past decade, the number of childcare providers in England has fallen by a third. This is concerning for parents as well as policymakers, because a reduction in childcare accessibility will hinder early childhood development in the areas affected. Parents, and mothers especially, will also find it more difficult to work when they cannot easily access childcare.”
The analysis only includes Ofsted-registered childcare places at nurseries and other group settings, as well as childminders. Around 300,000 (19%) of places are school-based and are not considered in this analysis.
The report can be accessed . &Բ;
Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: "Today’s research from Ofsted makes for a deeply concerning read. Not only is it now more difficult for families to access early years provision than it was four years ago, but those from disadvantaged backgrounds are the most likely to struggle to find a place.
"Given that, alongside this, the vast majority of entitlements are now geared towards working families, it’s clear that we are in danger of creating of a two-tier early years system where those most in need – who we know benefit the most from early education – are unable to access it. At a time when there is so much rhetoric about the need to ‘close the gap’, this is simply unacceptable. &Բ;
"Make no mistake, today’s findings show exactly what happens to a system when it faces year upon year of neglect and underfunding. As such, it has never been more important for the new government to listen to and work with the sector to deliver meaningful long-term policies that ensure that every child – regardless of their background, household income or circumstances – can benefit from the quality care and education they deserve.”