‘Without more help, childcare’s infrastructure may be destroyed’

For months, concern about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis has been growing. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has combined with a post-Covid boom in demand to reduce the supply of energy and drive up the cost of fossil fuels on the international markets. As the price of food and other everyday necessities has risen, charities have issued dire warnings about the impact it will have on the household finances of millions of children and families. Meanwhile, the rise in energy bills this October could have a major impact on a range of services for children and families – from leisure centres closing to charities having to scale back support. Early education providers are particularly exposed to the current challenges following a decline in income during the pandemic, a sector-wide shortage of staff and government funding rates that were too low even before the recent rise in inflation. It has led to sector leaders warning of a perfect storm that could have dire consequences.