Early data from our Childcare Survey 2023 reveals the significant challenges facing childcare providers and the steps they’re taking in response to the cost of living crisis, including:

• Three-quarters (72%) of local authorities report that over the last year, some or many of their local childcare providers have increased prices charged to parents
• Half (48%) of local authorities say that some or many providers have had to reduce staff numbers
• Over a third report that some or many providers have reduced their opening hours (44%) and reduced the number of funded early education entitlement places they can provide (43%)
• Over half of local authorities say that the sustainability of childcare providers has been negatively impacted by the rising cost of energy (57%) and food (53%)
• Almost three-quarters (71%) of local authorities report that providers are finding it ‘very difficult’ to recruit staff with the required qualifications and experience, whilst over two-thirds (69%) say the sustainability of providers has been negatively impacted by problems recruiting and retaining staff.