Rishi Sunak has been warned that high-profile plans for a huge expansion of free childcare are “undeliverable”, as hundreds of nurseries across England said it would lead to a chronic shortage of places and leave many parents still having to pay.
A survey of hundreds of childcare providers seen by the Observer reveals a sizeable mismatch between the free places parents are expecting and what nurseries and childminders can provide. They also warn that many parents will continue to be charged, or face higher fees, as providers face a growing shortfall.
