It is based on interviews with 122 local authority early years leads, many of whom raised concerns about out-of-school clubs, due to reduced demand from parents working from home and continued operational challenges reducing supply.
Many local authorities said they thought demand could be permanently lower due to higher levels of homeworking, more flexible working and shorter commuting times.
According to Covid and Childcare – the role of local authorities, pre-pandemic, there was already a shortage of places for school-age children. It says that this ‘part of the market has received less attention than early years provision over the last year, heightening concerns about childcare shortages.'
The report warns that a reduction in supply could have ‘negative effects on the ability of parents, and mothers in particular, to take on paid work.’
Of those that took part in the research, which was funded by the Nuffield Foundation, most said they had not seen and do not foresee, widespread closures of settings that would lead to shortages of childcare. However, many cautioned that it is too early to make ‘conclusive judgements’.
Local authorities were mostly unable to say whether the quality of childcare had been significantly affected by the pandemic, partly because they were not making their usual visits to settings.
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said it was a relief 'to hear that the quality of provision has been unaffected by the room closures and restrictions nurseries have had to deal with.'
Megan Jarvie, head of Coram Family and Childcare, said, ‘Local authorities play a crucial role in supporting families and childcare providers so that families can find the childcare they need to support children’s development and help parents to work. These findings show the great potential local authorities hold to support the childcare market through the current threats when they have the right support and funding.’
Chief executive of NDNA, Purnima Tanuku, added, 'We are extremely concerned about the long-term sustainability of the childcare and out-of-school care sector in England and the unknown impact the pandemic will have on its future, as highlighted in this report.'
The Early Years Alliance said it was 'disappointed that the report downplays the severe financial impact of Covid-19 on the early years'.
