The latest quarterly figures to 30 June show that the number of childcare providers has fallen again by a similar proportion to the previous quarter. There were 230 fewer full childcare providers on non-domestic premises than there were at 31 March.
Previously, as Nursery World revealed, early years organisations disputed the figures and criticised them for being 'unreliable' and 'confusing' (News, 14 May).
Ofsted quarterly statistics to the end of March showed the number of registered childcare providers falling, while the number of places increased sharply. The inspection body said that the information on childcare places in the latest registered childcare providers and places report had been omitted 'due to concerns over the quality of the data'.
The figures for childminders have also dropped over the past quarter, with 736 fewer registered childminders at the end of June, although the decline was not as severe as in the previous quarter.
A note attached to the figures said, 'Data on the maximum number of childcare places will be omitted from the July publication as we are currently carrying out measures to improve the quality of the places data.'
Andrew Fletcher, chief executive of the National Childminding Association, said, 'These figures suggest that the economic conditions for many providers are proving challenging, with a decline in the number of nurseries and childminding settings.'
An Ofsted spokesperson said, 'The introduction of the Early Years and Childcare Registers has required additional work to cleanse the data relating to the total number of childcare places available. The overall number of places childcare providers can offer will be published in October.'
Also released last week were figures on inspections outcomes for early years providers since the EYFS became statutory last September (see table below).
Statistics showed that out of 6,675 nurseries inspected, 902 settings were rated outstanding and 4,180 settings were found to be good at helping children to stay healthy.
OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF PROVISION
Inspectors rated providers overall on their effectiveness at meeting the needs of children in the EYFS.
Out of 6,675 non-domestic childcarers, they were rated as:
- Outstanding 9.2% (613)
- Good 56.6% (3,778)
- Satisfactory 28.9% (1,932)
- Inadequate 5.3% (352)
Out of 14,521 childminders, they were rated as:
- Outstanding 8.9% (1,298)
- Good 55.2% (8,027)
- Satisfactory 30.4% (4,415)
- Inadequate 5.4% (781)
For a more detailed breakdown of ratings see www.ofsted.gov.uk.