Department for Education (DfE) commissioned research into the take-up of funded places finds that nationally, local authorities report greater difficulties finding sufficient places for disadvantaged two-year-olds than places for the universal 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds.
One reason given is the higher cost of providing care for disadvantaged twos because of the need for higher staff:child ratios and higher levels of need and support for families in terms of explaining the entitlement. It says these factors led to reluctance by some settings to offer the places.
However, the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said in reality many nurseries and other providers are limiting two-year-old places because shortfalls in funding mean many are struggling financially.
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