Around 500 nurseries and childminders closing every month

On average, over 500 nurseries, pre-schools and childminders have closed every month between April 2018 and March 2019, according to the latest figures from Ofsted.

The figures were revealed by Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman in response to a Parliamentary question from shadow early years minister Tracy Brabin, who asked: “How many Ofsted registered nurseries and childminders have closed for business in each of the last 12 months.”

Ms Spielman revealed that between April and August 2018, on average, 577 early years providers (196 nurseries and pre-schools, and 381 childminders) left the Early Years Register each month.

Between September and December 2018, on average, 554 early years providers (164 nurseries and pre-schools, and 390 childminders) left the Early Years Register every month, while between January and March 2019, the average leaving each month was 580 early years providers (179 nurseries and pre-schools, and 401 childminders).

In the wake of news of these closures, the Early Years Alliance has called all political parties to commit to increasing investment into the childcare sector as a matter of urgency.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: “We have long warned that without adequate funding, many early years providers would be forced to close their doors and these figures sadly confirm that this is exactly what has been happening.

"To lose well over 500 nurseries, pre-schools and childminders every month is simply not sustainable. If more isn’t done to ensure that the sector is adequately funded as a matter of priority, we are going to have a genuine childcare crisis on our hands in this country before too long."

He added: "With a general election now imminent, we know that our sector is likely to once again be used as a political football, as the various political parties fight to out-do each other with their promises of ‘free childcare’ to parents without taking the time to ensure that their sums actually add up."