A survey carried out by campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed among 266 childcare providers found 92 per cent said the 30-hour offer, introduced in September 2017 to three- and four-year-olds of working parents, was causing them financial challenges.
The poll revealed almost all of the providers questioned (96 per cent) said the government subsidy to operate the funded childcare offer did not cover their costs.
This financial strain placed upon childcare providers meant 22 per cent of those surveyed said they did not believe they would still be open this time next year.
Further findings show nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of providers are having problems recruiting new staff, with 91 per cent reporting a lack of skilled childcare workers in the pool.
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