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There is now one registered childcare place for every five children under the age of eight in England, according to statistics published by Ofsted.
Ofsted published in June statistics for the number of registered childcare places and providers for the first time since it took over responsibility for registration and inspection in September 2001. The figures for 31 March 2003 provide a new benchmark for childcare provision in this country, replacing the Children's Day Care Facilities statistics last published in 2001 (see Notes to Editors). The new figures show that the childcare gap is closing - from one childcare place for every seven children under eight in 2001 to one for every five in 2003.
There are 4,753,900 children under the age of eight in England. Ofsted's figures show there are 985,400 childcare places, broken down as follows:
Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: "This is great news for children and parents in National Sure Start Month. Clearly the childcare gap in England is closing. There are more childcare places than ever before in full-time day care and out of school clubs. The Government's childcare strategy is delivering new places, particularly in the most disadvantaged communities. We now need to maintain the momentum so that every family has the choice of affordable quality childcare." Children's Day Care Facilities at 31 March 2001 - England (figures published in 2001)
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity. It promotes quality affordable childcare for all and advises parents, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. Daycare Trust runs a childcare helpline for parents (020 7840 3350), open for calls Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm, with access to Language Line interpreters for non-English speakers. Parents can also visit http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk |
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Ofsted Shows 'The Childcare Gap' Is Closing