Nursery World - Lack of demand for childcare key reason nurseries stay closed

Low demand for childcare is the main reason given by nurseries for staying temporarily closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, research has found.

Low demand is the main reason given by nurseries that have not yet reopened due to the pandemic

According to the latest survey by independent sector analysts Ceeda, 59 per cent of nurseries and pre-schools that have stayed closed said low demand meant that it was not financially viable for them to reopen.

The data shows how 480 settings and 378 childminders were operating for the week starting 22 June.

According to the research, the proportion of providers open has gradually increased since 1 June, to 86 per cent. Average occupancy remains low at 41 per cent. The number of children on roll and attending in the week has risen to 36.

No positive Covid-19 test results were reported for the 14,733 children attending surveyed settings and no positive tests were reported among staff.

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