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Many parents hoping to access funded childcare and early education places under the new so-called 'free childcare' offers for younger children are likely to be left disappointed as staffing shortages and uncertainty over funding levels threaten the viability of the policy, says leading early years organisation the Early Years Alliance .

The warning comes as applications for the first phase of the extended offer open today (Tuesday 2 January), with working parents of eligible two-year-olds able to apply for 15 hours a week of funded care and education from April 2024.

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:

"As applications for the new offer open, parents of eligible children will understandably be looking forward to receiving greater support towards the cost of early years places. But while the scheme may sound good in theory, the reality is likely to be very different.

"With the early years sector facing its worst recruitment and retention crisis in recent memory, many settings simply won't have the staff needed to deliver places to additional children – and unless funding increases to a level that allows providers to pay early years professionals a decent wage, this is unlikely to change any time soon.

"Add to this the fact that many nurseries, pre-schools and childminders still don't know what funding rates they will receive for the new offers – despite the fact that the policy will start rolling out in just a few months – and it's no surprise that so many providers aren't yet able to commit to delivering extended entitlement places.

"If this policy is to have any hope of succeeding, the government must tackle the huge challenges facing the sector as a matter of urgency. That means a clear and comprehensive plan to tackle staffing shortages and, crucially, adequate funding for the sector, both now and in the future. Anything less and, despite the government's promises, parents across the country are likely to be left sorely disappointed."