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Please find a comment below from the Early Years Alliance following the publication of data published by Ofsted and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on the analysis of early years and childcare accessibility in England over the past four years. The report can be accessed . 

The research found that average access to childcare places has declined since 2020, with families living in areas with lower household incomes and higher levels of deprivation worse affected. 

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

"Today’s research from Ofsted and the ONS makes for a deeply concerning read.  Not only is it now more difficult for families to access early years provision than it was four years ago, but those from disadvantaged backgrounds are the most likely to struggle to find a place.

Given that, alongside this, the vast majority of entitlements are now geared towards working families, it’s clear that we are in danger of creating of a two-tier early years system where those most in need – who we know benefit the most from early education – are unable to access it. At a time when there is so much rhetoric about the need to ‘close the gap’, this is simply unacceptable. 

"Make no mistake, today’s findings show exactly what happens to a system when it faces year upon year of neglect and underfunding. As such, it has never been more important for the new government to listen to and work with the sector to deliver meaningful long-term policies that ensure that every child – regardless of their background, household income or circumstances – can benefit from the quality care and education they deserve.â€�