Ministers are facing stark warnings that a key pledge on childcare is in serious peril, amid mounting concerns over staff shortages, a fall in the quality of care and fears that parts of the plan are simply undeliverable.
Just weeks away from a widespread extension of free provision, part of what the previous government billed as the “largest ever expansion of childcare in England’s history”, nurseries, preschools and childminders across the country have voiced alarm that they are struggling to recruit staff to meet demand from parents expecting a local place.
