A new report has revealed the deepening divide in England’s childcare system, with disadvantaged families increasingly marginalised by a two-tier provision.
in partnership with the Centre for Implementation UCL and expert Ivana La Valle, has found numerous barriers preventing underprivileged families from fully benefiting from available childcare support.Supported by the Nuffield Foundation, the report highlights how many childcare providers are limiting the availability of free places, while often demanding additional payments for services.
Further complicating the landscape are the government’s new entitlements for working families. The report notes that mixed messages around eligibility and the purpose of funded hours have created additional barriers, increasing the administrative burden on providers while further confusing parents. Lydia Hodges, head of Coram Family and Childcare, commented: "In a time when childcare is frequently under scrutiny, these findings indicate that those who stand to gain the most from early education are often left out." She emphasised that disadvantaged children are entitled to only half the funded early education hours that their peers with working parents receive, and at a later stage. "We must consider whether this is the standard we want for our children," she added.
She pointed to new funding already allocated to establish school-based nurseries in high-need areas, along with initiatives designed to protect parents from excessive charges. Additionally, new training schemes for early years educators working with children who have special educational needs and disabilities have been launched, aimed at creating a more inclusive system that offers all children a strong start.
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