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Newly released Ofsted sector statistics show that the number of early years providers have decreased by 4,800 in the last year, reflecting a decrease of 7%.  

The data, which included the number of early years providers, show that 63,200 providers were registered on 31 March 2023, down from 68,000 on 31 March the previous year. 

Falling childminder numbers accounted for the majority of the closures, with the number of registered childminding settings down by 3,500 in the year. 

The number of early years places also fell in the 12-month period. In total there were 1.27 million early years places offered by providers on the Early Years Register, down by 24,500 (2%) in the year. 

Neil Leitch, CEO of the ÎÞÂëÌìÌÃ, said: “ “Today’s Ofsted figures are a clear example of exactly what we have been warning about. Years of underfunding and completely disregarding the sector time have left us with a shell of an early years sector with provider numbers plummeting at an alarming rate.  

“Yet, rather than look at how to properly address the problem, the government only continues to fuel the fire. As it stands, the planned expansion of the early entitlement offer will only place even more pressure on the sector and will result in even more settings buckling under the strain. The additional funding announced does not even come close to repairing the years of damage.   

“Early years providers go over and above to provide the very best care and education, the fact that 96% of setting remain good or outstanding is testament to that, but it should not be an uphill battle.  

“So, this time, we hope that calls to listen to providers will not be ignored and the government will work with the sector to make certain that the infrastructure, and importantly, the funding is there to ensure that England’s early years sector survives. Frankly, the way the sector has been treated is not only completely unacceptable but is coming dangerous close to reaching a point of no return."