New research published by Coram Family and Childcare (CFC) shows that two-in-five (41 per cent) councils are ‘confident’ or ‘very confident’ they will have enough places to meet demand for the rollout of the 15 hours for children from nine months old, up from 28 per cent in January.
However, this leaves 59 per cent of councils either ‘not confident’ or ‘unsure’ if there will be sufficient places.
It also reveals that councils’ confidence in the final phase of the rollout in September 2025 (30 hours from nine months) is much lower, with just 11 per cent reporting that they are ‘confident’ or ‘very confident’ there will enough places.
For the majority of councils, 75 per cent, their biggest concern in delivery of the expansion is the workforce. CFC, which has also launched its manifesto, says this is three times higher than any other concern.
The research also indicates how the first phase of the expansion has been going so far, the findings show:
- Just over half (52 per cent) of councils say that all or almost all eligible parents in their area who wanted to take-up the new entitlements have been able to.
- Over half (53 per cent) of councils identify the local workforce as having been a ‘barrier’ or ‘significant barrier’ to the successful delivery of the first phase of the rollout, while 36 per cent of councils identified local buildings and space and 21 per cent reported sufficiency of childcare places for children with SEND, as ‘barriers’ or ‘significant barriers’ to delivery.
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said the research echoed its own concerns, while the Early Years Alliance argued that the fact that the majority of councils are worried about staffing should ‘set alarm bells ringing’.
'We are concerned there may be further issues not only this September, but further down the line'.
Ellen Broomé, managing director of Coram Family and Childcare, said, ‘Whilst it is encouraging that councils’ confidence in having enough places for all families who want one this September has gone up since we last asked them, this figure is still worryingly low considering we are just two months away from this second phase of the childcare expansion.
‘Today’s follow-up report finds that councils’ previous responses about their preparedness for the April 2024 expansion mirrors the proportion of families who have been able to access their place. This shows that they have a good understanding of their local situation and their concerns should be listened to.
‘Given that just 11 per cent of councils are confident about the final phase of the expansion in September 2025, we are concerned there may be further issues not only this September, but further down the line for families in getting the childcare they need. And with three-quarters citing staffing as their number one barrier to delivery of the expansion, our research reiterates the urgent need for a workforce strategy that addresses the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector.
‘For this policy to be a success, it is essential that all families can take up their entitlements, and the next few months will be a crucial time in making sure they can
‘We want the next government to commit to the necessary reforms to make this a reality.’
