Figures published by the Department for Education based on a survey of providers show that 44,250 early years providers are planning to offer 30 hours, compared with 54,900 providers that currently deliver the 15-hour offer. This works out as 10,650 fewer, or 19 per cent.
The DfE data shows that there are currently 22,700 pre-schools and nurseries offering 15 hours of free entitlement. But only 14,600 pre-schools and nurseries say they definitely plan to offer the 30 hours.
Meanwhile 8,200 primary schools with nurseries currently offer the 15 hours, but only 3,900 say they intend to offer 30 hours.
In addition, 350 maintained nursery schools plan to offer the 30 hours, compared with 400 that currently offer the 15 hours.
The only provider type likely to see an increase is childminders, with 25,400 planning to offer the 30 hours, compared with 23,600 who currently offer the 15 hours.
The DfE said that the survey was conducted between March and July 2016, before full funding details for 30-hour provision had been finalised.
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