In light of the findings, which are a result of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the Early Years Alliance (EYA) has branded Government claims that there are enough childcare places to meet demand in England as ‘meaningless’.
According to the EYA, Government ministers have ‘repeatedly’ responded to concerns over a lack of early years places by arguing that ‘local authorities report that they are fulfilling their duty to ensure sufficient childcare’. Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act, local authorities in England have a duty to secure sufficient childcare for working parents.
The EYA submitted FOI requests to all upper-tier local authorities in England. Of the 117 councils that responded, a total of 96 per cent said they had sufficient early years places in their area overall, however less than one in six collect data on the proportion of local parents who are able to access the number of days/sessions they need, when they need it and where they need it.
Other key findings include:
- Just 15 per cent collect information on what proportion of parents and carers in the area are able to access the quantity of early years provision that they would like (e.g – if they need three full days a week, whether or not they are able to access three full days or can only access, for example, two.)
- 14 per cent currently collect data on what proportion of parents and carers in the area are able to access early years provision on the specific times and dates that they want.
- 9 per cent currently collect data on what proportion of parents and carers in the area are able to secure a place at their first-choice setting.
- Less than one in 10 local authorities collect information about provision meeting the needs of parents with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
'We have lost children to other settings for not being able to offer the flexibility that they require'
Andrew Howarth, director of Paintpots Nurseries, based in north-west England, said, ‘At two of our three settings, we have had to restrict session times to a pattern we can staff for. For example, if a parent often wants an extra hour or two if it falls outside this strict pattern, we usually have to refuse.
‘We have lost children to other settings for not being able to offer the flexibility that they require, however, we have to be strict to remain sustainable.’
The EYA said the findings highlight the need for not only an affordable childcare system, but one that is accessible, sustainable and high-quality.
Chief executive Neil Leitch said, 'As the calls for early years reform grow ever louder, it’s critical that alongside building an affordable childcare system, we look to build one that is accessible, as well as sustainable and high-quality.
‘This means a long-term comprehensive government strategy, underpinned by adequate investment, that ensures that all early years settings are able to offer the care and education families need, when they need it. It also means steering well clear of ill-thought-out policies like relaxing ratios that will only worsen the current severe recruitment and retention crisis and risk permanently damaging our already-fragile sector.’
A Government spokesperson said, 'Ofsted’s latest figures show that the number of childcare places available to families in England has remained broadly stable since 2015 and standards remain high, with 96 per cent of providers rated good or outstanding.'
