A host of recent reports and surveys have highlighted the devastating effects that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on childcare demand and provision across England.
A third of 2,000 parents surveyed by the Early Years Alliance said they had experienced difficulties accessing childcare since the easing of lockdown restrictions. A further 38 per cent said they were taking up fewer hours per week, with 56 per cent saying that it is due to their childcare provider being unable to offer as many hours (see graphics).
Meanwhile, a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) highlighted that demand for childcare places by late July remained 70 per cent below pre-crisis levels, with the hardest hit being providers looking after the youngest children and those most reliant on fee-based rather than government-funded places.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
