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The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment following a report from the New Economics Foundation and The Social Guarantee showing that more than 1.5 million children in England are living in ​“childcare deserts”, where there are more than three children for every early year’s place. This is equivalent to 44% of children aged under five.

The report,, can be read here

Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said:

“There is a wealth of research showing that children from economically poorer backgrounds benefit the most from early education and care, and yet, as the New Economics Foundation’s report highlights, these are the very children who are the most likely to be frozen out of accessing places.  

“We know that nurseries, pre-schools and childminders are finding it increasingly difficult to remain afloat due to years of severe underfunding, with those in the most deprived areas facing the biggest financial challenges. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of closures in the areas where places are needed the most.  

“Unless government takes urgent action, this situation is only likely to get worse when the extended offer is rolled out next year. It is absolutely vital, therefore, that ministers ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to make certain that every child – regardless of their income or background – is able to access affordable, accessible, quality early years provision. This not only means a commitment to funding the sector appropriately, but also the development of a clear early years workforce strategy to address the sector’s severe recruitment and retention crisis. 

“Let’s be clear: access to early years places should never be dependent on a family's income or financial circumstances. The fact that those who would gain the most from access to early education and care are the most likely to lose out is entirely unacceptable.”