A charity has cautioned that Rishi Sunak’s efforts to increase childcare options in England may not meet the expectations of parents due to rising nursery fees and limited availability of spaces.
According to the most recent yearly study conducted by the Coram Family and Childcare charity, the expense for 25 hours per week of childcare for a child under two has increased by 7% in 2023. Inner London has the highest average cost of £218 per week, making it the most expensive area.
In the past year, there has been a drop of 14 percentage points in the number of English councils with adequate childcare availability, making the total now 34%. Additionally, 35% of councils have enough childcare spaces for children under the age of two.
Additionally, the research showed a decrease in available childcare spots for children with disabilities. Only 6% of councils reported having enough spaces, marking a 12% decrease from 2023.
Also, there was a decrease in the provision for parents who work non-traditional hours by 7 percentage points, and for families living in rural areas by 14 percentage points.
Beginning in April, the prime minister’s childcare expansion initiative will gradually enhance current childcare assistance. The objective is for the majority of employed families with young children to receive 30 hours of childcare support by September 2025.
Ellen Broome, CEO of Coram, expressed that the upcoming implementation of childcare support in April could have a significant impact on parents nationwide. This support will offer relief to many who have struggled with exorbitant childcare expenses and in some cases, have been unable to work due to the burden of these costs.
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These results, which include increased expenses and significant decreases in the number of childcare options, are worrisome during this important period. They highlight the difficulties and potential consequences that may arise if this policy fails to meet the expectations of parents.
If this policy is not given enough resources and assistance, it may have a negative impact by preventing families from obtaining affordable childcare and causing the most disadvantaged children to be left out.
The report from Coram highlighted worries from councils about the implementation of the extended free early education offerings and its potential effect on the availability of childcare options.
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According to reports, approximately 63% of councils in England expressed confidence in being able to meet the demand for the upcoming expansion of 15 free hours for two-year-olds. However, only 28% had the same confidence for the expansion in September 2024, which will provide 15 free hours for nine-month-olds. This confidence dropped to a mere 12% for the following expansion in September 2025, which will offer 30 free hours for nine-month-olds.
Most councils reported that the community child care staff posed a hindrance to effectively implementing the 30 hours of free entitlements by 2025. According to Coram, this reflects the considerable difficulties in recruiting and retaining employees.
A representative from the Department for Education expressed confidence in the childcare market’s ability to continue growing. They referenced the IFS thinktank’s assessment of funding rates for new entitlements, noting that they were significantly higher than market rates. They also mentioned guaranteed funding increases for the next two years and a recruitment campaign along with a £1,000 cash incentive pilot program to attract new staff to the sector.
“Prior to these efforts, there was already an increase in the number of early childhood centers and workers in 2023 compared to five years prior. However, during the time period of 2018-2022, there has been a consistent decline in the number of children aged 0-5.”
Source: theguardian.com
