Leading membership organisation the Early Years Alliance has issued a comment following the publication of Ofsted sector statistics which included the number of early years providers and places on 31 March 2024.
The data, which can be read here, shows the following:
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As of 31 March 2024, 61,800 childcare and early years providers were registered with Ofsted, down by 1,440 (2%) since 31 March 2023. Most of this decline was due to a fall in the number of childminders
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The number of childminders registered with Ofsted had decreased by 1,340 (5%) since 31 March 2023, to 26,500 providers
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In total there were 1.27 million childcare and early years places offered by providers registered on the Early Years Register, up by less than 1% (1,370) in the period
Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:
Today’s Ofsted figures once again paint an extremely concerning picture of capacity in the early years sector.
“Despite a marginal increase in the number of overall places nationally, the continued fall in the number of providers, alongside the fact that just under half of individual local authorities have actually seen a decline in places – shows how urgently key sector challenges – namely, staffing and underfunding – need to be addressed ahead of the next phase of the expansion.
“What’s more, given much of this decline is once again down to falling childminder numbers, it’s clear that much more must be done to encourage childminding professionals, who are a vital source of quality, flexible care and education, to join and remain in the sector.
“Less than a week since the new government came to office, these figures could not be a clearer indication of the scale of the task at hand. We look forward, therefore, to working with ministers to ensure that the sector finally gets the support – and critically, investment – needed to reverse these concerning trends, and deliver quality, accessible, affordable and sustainable care and education that families deserve.”