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Story perspectives

Childcare Access Plummets 39% Amid Funding Cuts, Warns Labour

3/21/2026

27 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Coram's annual nursery survey shows full-time childcare for children under two in England fell by 39% due to government funding.
However, the 30 free hours cover only term time, leaving holidays to be paid by parents.
Many nurseries face financial strain, leading to closures and a widening social gap.
The Labour Party aims to address these issues by prioritizing high-quality early years education to improve life chances.

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Story summary

Coram's annual nursery survey shows full-time childcare for children under two in England fell by 39% due to government funding.
However, the 30 free hours cover only term time, leaving holidays to be paid by parents.
Many nurseries face financial strain, leading to closures and a widening social gap.
The Labour Party aims to address these issues by prioritizing high-quality early years education to improve life chances.