Nursery World - Demand bolsters nursery market

Demand for childcare is at its highest level ever despite the fact that average nursery occupancy is below 80 per cent, according to a new report.<BR>The annual survey of the nursery market by Laing and Buisson says the UK nursery sector is now worth 3.5 billion, growing by just over 5 per cent last year.<BR>

Demand for childcare is at its highest level ever despite the fact that average nursery occupancy is below 80 per cent, according to a new report.
The annual survey of the nursery market by Laing and Buisson says the UK nursery sector is now worth 3.5 billion, growing by just over 5 per cent last year.

The report's author, economist Philip Blackburn, said he felt more optimistic about the market than a year ago. Falling occupancy had levelled off, he said, and there was 'an expectation that demand won't fall'.

Average occupancy for nurseries was 77.5 per cent in January this year, with occupancy in Government initiative nurseries - Neighbourhood Nurseries, Sure Start, children's centres and extended schools - slightly lower at 75.5 per cent.
Mr Blackburn said that there was plenty of investment interest in day nurseries. 'The entrance of ABC into the UK market heralds a degree of confidence into the sector. What ABC wants to do is adopt the Australian and American model over here. That's got everyone very excited.'

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