Department for Education Statistics Show Rise in Early Years Places but Fall in Providers

Department for Education Statistics Show Rise in Early Years Places but Fall in Providers

The latest Government statistics, published in Ofsted’s report on Childcare Providers and Inspections as at 31 March 2024, revealed a slight increase in childcare places, with a rise of 1,370 places (less than 1%). Despite this, the overall number of childcare providers has dropped by 1,440 (2%) since March 2023, mainly due to a decline in childminders, which fell by 1,340 (5%) to 26,500. 

Some of the key statistics include:  
• 61,800 childcare providers registered with Ofsted. 
• 1.27 million childcare places offered by Early Years Register providers, up by 1,370. 
• 97% of providers rated good or outstanding, a 1% increase from last year. 

Alongside the Ofsted report, Government figures show the number of two-year-olds accessing 15-hour funded childcare is at a historic low, dropping 7% from last year. In 2023, 115,900 disadvantaged two-year-olds accessed the offer, down from 157,000 in 2015. The figures are based on data taken from the census in January, so do not include the expansion of childcare that started in April. 

Concerns about the rise in children with SEND in early years settings are also highlighted. Since 2020, the proportion of two-year-olds with SEND has grown from 3.5% to 5%, and from 6.6% to almost 9% for three- and four-year-olds. 

These statistics highlight the immediate and long-term challenges that the new Labour Government is faced with, namely staffing and underfunding, and these will need to be addressed as the expansion of childcare continues. The report and statistics mentioned can be found here and here.