It is a mixed picture for the sector as it prepares to meet the business challenges of 2013. While survey respondents in the South of England have typically reported stronger occupancy levels than the North, the latter is more likely to find that funding is covering costs for the free entitlement.
With 72 per cent of the NDNA's sample fo rits latest Business Performance Survey representing single-site nurseries, it may come as little surprise that less than 50 per cent expected to make a profit in 2012.
A decline in occupancy rates continues to be fuelled by the economic downturn. In November 2012 the average occupancy rate was 71 per cent, putting it on a par with the same time last year.
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