Childcare sector close to breaking point | Letter

Childcare organisations urge the government to address the early years funding shortfall

Dozens of MPs will be visiting childcare providers in their constituency on Friday as part of a week of action where providers and parents have called on the government to address the early years funding shortfall, which is now over two-thirds of a billion pounds.

MPs will see a sector close to breaking point. The number of childcare providers fell by almost 10,000 in the last two years. Around half of all "free" childcare places come with voluntary charges, while many providers have been forced to choose between higher parent fees or closing their doors - a situation that hits disabled children and poorer families hardest.

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