Quarterly data shows there were 9,700 registered providers offering 237,100 places at the end of March. But in the past six months the number of providers has dropped by 300 and the number of places has fallen by 7,000.
The number of childminders has also decreased by 400 since the last tally in June.
Meanwhile, the total number of childcare places in England is continuing to rise. At the end of September there were 107,600 providers offering 1,559,400 places, an increase of 14,300 since June.
There are now 13,600 full daycare providers. This continues a trend which has seen places for all-day care rise steadily since 2003.
Registered childcare providers and places in England, September 2006
March 2006 June 2006 September 2006
Providers Places Providers Places Providers Places
Childminders 71,600 322,200 71,600 323,000 71,200 321,700
Full day care 13,100 565,700 13,300 574,500 13,600 588,300
(extended day pre-school
groups and day nurseries)
Sessional care 9,700 237,100 9,500 233,700 9,400 230,100
(playgroups and private nursery schools)
Out-of-school 10,500 366,500 10,600 367,300 10,700 372,100
(including holiday playschemes)
Creche daycare 2,700 46,300 2,700 46,700 2,700 47,200
Total 107,600 1,537,800 107,700 1,545,100 107,600 1,559,400
