The figures also show a reversal of the trend in the past three years of a decline in the total number of providers and places.
However, the total number of nurseries has dropped slightly, from 26,167 settings at the end of June to 26,019 – equivalent to the closure of 148 nurseries.
Despite the fall, the number of places offered by nurseries had risen by 27 places.
The total number of childcare providers – categorised as nurseries, childminders and childcarers on domestic premises (that is a group of childminders working together from home) - has risen for the first time since December 2008.
Figures for the end of September show that there are now 58,194 childminders, an increase of 531 more childminders registered with Ofsted since the end of the previous quarter.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here