Coronavirus: Warning that 250,000 childcare places could be lost
Catherine Gaunt
Thursday, April 23, 2020
According to childcare.co.uk, nearly a sixth of providers could close permanently as a result of the pandemic.
A survey of more than 2,000 nurseries and childminders, carried out by the website, found that half (51 per cent) are likely to re-open after lockdown, while a third (34 per cent) remain undecided.
According to childcare.co.uk, the findings suggest that more than 250,000 childcare places could be lost, increasing the need for childcare by 28 per cent.
The survey received 2,464 responses to the question, 'Are you likely to permanently close your childcare setting as a result of Covid-19?'. In response, 1,248 said 'no', 835 were 'not sure', and just 381 said 'yes'.
When the website asked providers why they plan on closing due to Covid-19, nearly three quarters (73 per cent) stated it was due to personal financial problems, whereas just over a quarter (27 per cent) of providers said families would no longer need their services due to the pandemic.
When childcare.co.uk delved into this lack of demand further, they discovered providers believe there will be a rise in home-schooling, as well as an increase in parents no longer being able to afford the same childcare options as before.
According to the website’s internal data there are currently more than 900,000 parents in Britain seeking childcare. As a result of the poll findings, this is estimated to increase by 28 per cent to over 1.1 million if a sixth of providers close down.
Richard Conway, founder of childcare.co.uk, said, ‘As the coronavirus pandemic has progressed in the UK, we’ve seen first-hand the effect it’s had on childcare providers as some have been forced to temporarily close whilst others manage to stay afloat as they support key workers. ‘Therefore, as this uncertain time continues, we decided to survey some of our childcare providers to find out just how the pandemic will affect them in the long term; and it was shocking to discover how many are set to permanently close as a result.’
A previous poll by the website found that nearly a quarter of British parents are considering continuing to home-school their children once the lockdown ends.
