CYP Now - Councils report sharp fall in childcare availability

“Ongoing uncertainty and disruption” in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic means childcare availability “has fallen sharply” over the last 12 months, new research shows.

Disabled parents and those from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to be in lower paid jobs, research has warned. Picture: Adobe Stock

Coram Family and Childcare’s 21st Annual Survey reveals stark challenges faced by providers in England, Wales and Scotland.

Just over half of local authorities report having enough childcare places for children under two compared with almost three quarters last year, according to the report.

Some 59 per cent report having enough childcare available for parents working full time, down from 68 per cent last year.

Increasing gaps are also emerging for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), according to the report, with just one in five councils having enough childcare with SEND provision, down from a quarter in 2021.

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