New Ofsted statistics reveal fall in early years places
by Jess Gibson
The number of both early years places and providers across the country has fallen over the past year, Ofsted figures released earlier today reveal.
According to the statistics, as of 31 August 2023, there were 62,300 providers registered with Ofsted, down by 3,320 (5%) since 31 August 2022. Childminders accounted for majority of this decline, with a fall of 2,580 compared to the previous year.
The number of early years places offered by providers on the Early Years Register (EYR) fell at a slower rate, with the figures showing a fall of 17,800 (1%) to 1.26 million compared to 31 August 2022.
The latest statistics also revealed that 96% of early years providers were judged good or outstanding 鈥 the same as last year 鈥 at their most recent inspection.
The figures have prompted concern over the government's ability to roll-out the 30-hour expansion from April 2024. Neil Leitch, chief executive of the 无码天堂 commented:
鈥淭he fact that early years places have dropped by 17,800 within the last year is incredibly concerning, especially given that we are just months away from the start of the early entitlement expansion.
鈥淔or years now, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders have faced a raft of challenges 鈥 including severe underfunding and acute staffing shortages, as a direct result of government underfunding 鈥 leaving many with no option but to limit the number of places they're able to offer, or in the worst cases, close completely.
鈥淎nd yet, instead of trying to address these challenges by putting in place adequate support and funding, the government has only served to make the situation worse by piling more pressure on providers by announcing plans to expand the existing offer.
鈥淚f urgent action isn鈥檛 taken to address both plummeting provider numbers and decline in available places, not only is the extended entitlement offer likely to fall flat on its face, but it will soon become close to impossible for nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to even meet existing demand.
鈥淲ith the Autumn Statement just days away, we urge the government to recognise just how serious a crisis the sector is in and put meaningful action in place to tackle the significant challenges facing providers, before we reach a point of no return.鈥