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by Jess Gibson

More than 1.5 million children in England are living in areas where there are more than three children for every early years place, according to new statistics.  

The report – by (NEF) and – says that the number living in what it deems as “early education and childcare deserts” is equivalent to 44% of all under-fives in England.  

According to the research, most of the areas in which early education settings are closing are already disadvantaged by existing in the most deprived local authorities. The report also highlights that the remaining settings in such areas tend to receive lower Ofsted ratings on the whole. 

The research comes just months before the government plans to launch its funded hours’ expansion, adding to existing concerns about its feasibility. With the sector already stretched, there are fears that it will be the most vulnerable children who are impacted. 

The report’s author and head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, Tom Pollard, said: “The government’s plan to expand its childcare offer means that by the end of next year the state will be funding 80% of provision in England, making it a de facto public service. It would be inconceivable not to use that opportunity to deliver for the children who stand to benefit the most, and to help level up across our country.” 

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the ��������, said: “There is a wealth of research showing that children from economically poorer backgrounds benefit the most from early education and care, and yet, as the New Economics Foundation’s report highlights, these are the very children who are the most likely to be frozen out of accessing places.   

“We know that nurseries, pre-schools and childminders are finding it increasingly difficult to remain afloat due to years of severe underfunding, with those in the most deprived areas facing the biggest financial challenges. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of closures in the areas where places are needed the most.   

“Unless government takes urgent action, this situation is only likely to get worse when the extended offer is rolled out next year. It is absolutely vital, therefore, that ministers ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to make certain that every child – regardless of their income or background – is able to access affordable, accessible, quality early years provision. This not only means a commitment to funding the sector appropriately, but also the development of a clear early years workforce strategy to address the sector’s severe recruitment and retention crisis.  

“Let’s be clear: access to early years places should never be dependent on a family's income or financial circumstances. The fact that those who would gain the most from access to early education and care are the most likely to lose out is entirely unacceptable.”