As the latest Ofsted statistics reveal the number of childcare and early years places have fallen by several thousand, early years organisations warn that the Government is piling more pressure on providers with its expansion plans.
The number of early years and childcare places has fallen by many thousands, prompting further concern from sector organisations about how the Government’s childcare expansion plans can be delivered.
According to the latest Ofsted figures, in total, there were 1.26 million childcare and early years places, down by 17,800 (1 per cent) on the previous year.
As of 31 August 2023, 62,300 childcare and early years providers were registered with Ofsted, down by 3,320 (5 per cent) since 31 August 2022.
