CYP Now - Early years providers slam government ‘failure’ over thousands of setting closures

Early years providers have accused the government of “failing” the sector as new Ofsted figures reveal the closures of thousands of childminders and nurseries over the last year.

Thousands of settings have closed in a year, Ofsted finds. Picture: AdobeStock

According to Ofsted, there has been a net reduction of 4,100 childminders since August last year and 300 nurseries.

Compared with pre-pandemic levels, 8,800 childminders have closed, alongside 500 nurseries.

The inspectorate adds that despite an eight per cent reduction in providers since last year, there has only been a two per cent reduction in childcare places.

However, analysis of the figures by the Early Years Alliance (EYA) finds that 110 of 151 local authorities have experienced a drop in places.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the EYA, said: “The fact that we have lost 5,400 providers in just 12 months is a direct consequence of government inaction.

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