The NatCen Social Research report on funded early education entitlements found that in 2018 just 72 per cent of eligible disadvantaged two-year-olds are taking up their 15 hours funded childcare entitlement. In comparison, take-up of 30 hours funded childcare for three- and four-year-olds is 94 per cent.
The report, which is based on analysis of government data and interviews with council early years leads, childcare providers and parents, found that a key factor in the low take-up rate for disadvantaged two-year-olds is a reluctance by providers to offer places due to the higher staffing ratios involved.
In addition, providers told researchers that this group of younger children, who include those in care as well as those from low-income families, have higher, costlier, needs to cater for.
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