A new study published today from Victoria University in Australia, supported by the Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) maps childcare accessibility in nine countries, ranking England as one of the worst for childcare access (eighth out of the nine countries mapped).
Childcare deserts
The research classifies “childcare deserts” as areas in which three or more children are vying for one available childcare space. 45% of England (or 30% when childminder places are included*) was classified as a childcare desert, affecting an estimated 1.4 million children and their families.
*childminders were excluded from the international analysis in all countries because the data isn’t always available, but even with this caveat, accessibility in England is still lower than most other countries.
Looking at the four UK nations and including childminder places, Scotland ranks best with just 9% living in a childcare desert, followed by Wales (19%), Northern Ireland (23%) and finally England (30%). Within England – the North West, London, and South East have the best accessibility, while regions like the West Midlands and Yorkshire & The Humber were ranked the worst. In general, wealthier areas tend to have better access and providers tend to operate in more wealthy localities where they can charge higher fees – leading to greater inequalities, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
Calls on government
PACEY, along with the Early Education and Childcare Coalition is urging policymakers to address these regional inequalities. We are calling for reforms to ensure that all families can access high quality childcare and early education – particularly those in areas of disadvantage.
Helen Donohoe, PACEY’s Chief Executive comments:
“This report clearly outlines the huge scale of the challenge facing the new UK government in delivering its promise for high quality early education that is accessible to all children. However, at PACEY we remain optimistic. We know that there are immediate measures needed to stabilise our sector, but we are also calling for the new government to work with us on a long-term programme of reform with sustainable funding and a valued workforce at the core.”
Further reading
- Read the Early Education and Childcare Coalition’s Rescue and Reform manifesto
- PACEY’s Manifesto for childminders
