The majority of local authorities do not think they will have enough places to meet demand for the expanded offer, according to new research by Coram Family and Childcare.
With just months until the roll-out of the offer, 40 per cent of local authorities are concerned about there being enough places for April (15 hours for two-year-olds), while more than 70 per cent say the same about the expansion from September (15 free hours from nine months).
Only 12 per cent of local authorities said that they are ‘confident’ or ‘very confident’ there will be enough 30-hour places for all children from September 2025.
Local authorities identified the ‘significant’ ongoing challenges to recruit and retain staff as the biggest barrier to successful delivery of the expanded offer. Adequate provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was also highlighted as a major concern.
