News

YMCA warns of nursery closures amid rising costs and below-inflation funding rates

YMCA, the largest charity provider of childcare in the UK, is closing four nurseries at the end of the month, and warns more could close, as years of underfunding and rates for 2023-24 leave early years providers ‘buckling under the strain’.
YMCA operates more than 80 nurseries and pre-schools in England PHOTO YMCA
YMCA operates more than 80 nurseries and pre-schools in England PHOTO YMCA

YMCA is calling on the Department for Education to reconsider the Early Years National Funding Formula (EYNFF) allocations for 2023/24, which fall well below that of inflation and the National Living Wage.

The charity said that providers are having to make ‘difficult decisions’ about their early years settings amid rising costs and underfunding.

Eight in ten YMCA childcare settings said they were unable to deliver childcare at the funding rate provided by their local authority, prior to the publication of the 2023/24 funding rates.

YMCA is one of the largest nursery groups in the UK and runs childcare provision through a federation of local YMCAs.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here



Nursery World Jobs

Senior Practitioner

South West London

Nursery Practitioner

Hammersmith and Fulham, London (Greater)