Two-thirds of England’s poorest families miss out on childcare, report finds

IPPR and Save the Children call for measures including new not-for-profit nursery trusts and increased funding for deprived areas

Two-thirds of the poorest families in England are missing out on childcare, according to a report.

Analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Save the Children has found that access to affordable and good-quality childcare is defined by class. Among the poorest fifth of parents with young children, only a third (36%) use formal childcare, compared with double that (73%) of the highest-earning families.

Empowering local authorities to pool funding to secure new childcare in the areas of greatest need and organise the new schools-based nursery expansion.

Ensuring childminders are paid monthly.

Increasing funding for deprived areas and children living in deprivation.

Reforming the SEND funding system.