Access to Early Education and Childcare Worse in England Than Elsewhere in Europe, Study Claims

Access to Early Education and Childcare Worse in England Than Elsewhere in Europe, Study Claims

A recent study conducted by Australia’s Victoria University (VU) suggests that England faces significant challenges in terms of access to early education and childcare compared to other European countries.

The study, titled International Childcare: Mapping the Deserts, maps access for 10 million children across nine countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, France, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands.

The study, which focuses on access to centre-based childcare and nurseries to allow international comparison, found that 45% of families in England live in ‘childcare deserts’ – meaning areas where three or more children are vying for one early years place. When childminder provision is also considered, this percentage falls to almost one-third of the country being classified as a ‘childcare desert’, which, despite being lower, means that accessibility in England is still poorer than most other countries in the study.

The study also demonstrates disparities across the regions within England. Of the nine regions, the north-west, London, and the south-east rank best for accessibility, with the fewest number of people living in a ‘childcare desert’. In contrast, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the north-east have the greatest number of people living in a ‘childcare desert’.

The research also found that the wealthiest parts of the country have better childcare accessibility. This link between childcare accessibility and price is further demonstrated by findings showing that the most advantaged parts of London have not only the best childcare accessibility, but also the highest fees. This may exacerbate the early education and childcare shortages elsewhere across England, if providers go where they can charge more and earn greater profits.

A spokesperson for the Early Years Alliance expressed that the findings from this study are concerning, yet unsurprising. They emphasised that it is extremely important to ensure that there are enough early years places available to meet the demand – something which is not currently the case. They said that the sector needs to be properly supported in order to increase capacity. This may be through long-term funding and a staffing strategy to address recruitment and attention. Otherwise, those set to benefit the most from early education will continue to lose out in England.