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Warning of 'catastrophic' winter for nurseries amid record closures

1 min read Early Years Cost-of-living
The early years sector could see a “catastrophic reduction” in the number of childcare places this winter following a sharp increase in nursery closures over the summer term, providers have warned.
Some 65 per cent more settings closed over the summer term compared with last year. Picture: Adobe Stock
Some 65 per cent more settings closed over the summer term compared with last year. Picture: Adobe Stock

Analysis by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) of government statistics on the closure of early years settings shows a 65 per cent increase in nursery closures between April and July compared with the same months last year.  

The figures buck the trend of more settings closing from September onwards, NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku said, adding that “the summer term is normally the busiest time of the year for nurseries before four-year-olds leave to start school”.

With energy prices increasing and inflation expected to exceed 13 per cent in October, Tanuku warned that “this academic year could see record-breaking numbers of closures leading to a catastrophic reduction in places”.

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