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

"Sadly, it comes as no surprise that a majority of Local Authorities expect the government's spring funding decision to lead to the closure of early years settings. Throughout the coronavirus crisis, the sector has repeatedly expressed grave concerns about the survival of nurseries, pre-schools and childminders across the country, after years of underfunding has left the sector struggling to cope. 

"Early years provision is absolutely vital for children’s development and to allow parents to go out to work, yet it has been repeatedly taken for granted during this pandemic. This has never been clearer, with settings asked to remain open even under the new fourth tier of restrictions, even as their funding is cut to attendance levels and they are excluded from rapid testing that would help keep them safe. 

"Local Authorities have now clearly backed up what the sector has been crying out for months on end. The government offers the sector its thanks, but thanks will not keep providers’ doors open - it must act quickly on the overwhelming evidence available and back the sector financially if these closures are to be avoided."