The government’s ambitious childcare scheme is facing significant challenges, according to a report by the National Audit Office. The Department for Education (DfE) is struggling to meet its targets for providing funded childcare places, with the likelihood of success rated as “amber/red problematic”.
The report highlights concerns about the department’s rushed approach to the expansion of childcare services, with limited input from the sector and a lack of pilot studies to aid in planning. The DfE’s plans to extend childcare to more children, including those as young as nine months, are facing uncertainties and may not achieve the goal of getting more parents back into the workforce.
The NAO report warns of potential unintended consequences, such as a decline in quality as inexperienced staff are brought in to meet demand. There are also fears that the expansion could widen the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their wealthier peers.
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, criticized the government’s approach, calling it rushed and poorly thought-out. The shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, echoed these concerns, accusing the Conservative government of making promises without a plan to deliver them.
Despite the challenges, a DfE spokesperson defended the government’s efforts, pointing to the success of the initial phase of the rollout and the steps taken to prepare for future phases. The spokesperson highlighted increased funding, workforce campaigns, and capital funding to support the expansion of childcare services.
As the government faces mounting pressure to address the issues raised in the report, it remains to be seen how the childcare scheme will navigate the obstacles ahead and fulfill its promises to families across England.