In light of the findings, which are a result of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the Early Years Alliance (EYA) has branded Government claims that there are enough childcare places to meet demand in England as ‘meaningless’.
According to the EYA, Government ministers have ‘repeatedly’ responded to concerns over a lack of early years places by arguing that ‘local authorities report that they are fulfilling their duty to ensure sufficient childcare’. Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act, local authorities in England have a duty to secure sufficient childcare for working parents.
The EYA submitted FOI requests to all upper-tier local authorities in England. Of the 117 councils that responded, a total of 96 per cent said they had sufficient early years places in their area overall, however less than one in six collect data on the proportion of local parents who are able to access the number of days/sessions they need, when they need it and where they need it.
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