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by Jess Gibson

Ofsted has today published new research and analysis around the ways in which early education and childcare can be optimised across local areas. 

The third part in Ofsted’s ‘childcare accessibility’ series, this study looks at “how the issue of inaccessible childcare can be addressed”. It highlights information from parent surveys conducted by the Department for Education (DfE), which identified that a lack of accessible, reliable early education and childcare prevents parents from returning to work. 

Previous studies have shown that access to early years provision isn’t evenly spread across England, with families in advantaged, affluent areas tending to have better access to provision – alongside a wider range of choice – than those in poorer areas. 

Ofsted is seeking to identify ways that evidence can be used to help local authorities and central government better target new provision in areas with low access, particularly in light of the 30-hour offer roll-out for nine-month-olds in September. 

In its analysis, Ofsted explores how decision-makers can use ‘optimisation modelling’ – a method to find the best solution out of a range of possibilities – to understand and reduce disparities in access to provision. The model used in this study simulates a redistribution of early years provision, looking at how, if settings could move around freely, they could be rearranged to improve accessibility. 

Ofsted states that as relocation is not feasible for settings, the model is not intended as a “blueprint for direct action, but a strategic model” that aims to: 

• highlight the mismatch between available early years provision and where it’s most needed. 

• identify priority areas where lack of provision may be most acutely limiting parents’ choices and opportunities. 

• help policymakers see what more equitable access could look like, guiding investment and planning. 

The analysis only includes Ofsted-registered early years places, excluding those registered in school-based settings, which account for around 300,000 places (19%). 

More information about Ofsted’s methodology, case studies and findings can be found .