Ministers are facing serious concerns about a major childcare pledge, with staff shortages and declining care quality jeopardizing its success. Despite a promise to expand free childcare to include 15 hours a week for all children aged nine months and older from September, nurseries, preschools, and childminders are struggling to recruit and retain staff. The expansion, touted as the largest in England’s history, may be difficult to achieve without compromising care standards, especially in poorer areas. Industry leaders are calling for urgent government discussions to address these issues. Surveys show 78% of providers have struggled with staff recruitment over the past year, with nearly half experiencing severe difficulties.
