Parents Face Limited Nursery Choices Despite Expanded Childcare Plans

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warns of potential shortfalls in available nursery spots due to staffing and space shortages.

Government plans to extend 30 hours of free childcare to all eligible families by September 2025.
Only 35% of local authorities have enough nursery spaces for children under two, down from 50% last year.
Labour pledges to create 3,000 additional nurseries by upgrading primary school classrooms.
The number of registered childcare providers has declined by 1,400 in the past year, exacerbating the shortage.
Funding for the expansion will come from increased VAT on private schools, but staffing remains a major challenge.