UK Childcare Costs Surge Amid Government Expansion Plans

A recent survey reveals a 7% increase in part-time nursery costs, with concerns over the sufficiency of childcare places.

Childcare costs for a part-time nursery place in the UK have risen by 7% on 2023, with the highest cost being £218 a week in inner London.
Only 34% of English councils report having sufficient childcare places, a decrease of 14 percentage points from the previous year.
The UK government's expansion of free childcare aims to save parents up to £6,900 per year, but nurseries warn of challenges in meeting increased demand.
Concerns are raised over the availability of childcare for children with disabilities and for families in rural areas.
A significant number of councils express doubts about the availability of childcare places to meet the demand for the government's planned expansion.