Ofsted have published quarterly statistics for Q1 that show the number of Ofsted-registered childcare providers and places and their most recent inspection outcomes on 31 March 2021.

The statistics also look at the total number of providers that have registered Ofsted and those that have left.

Due to the pandemic, there were no routine inspections between March and August 2020. A phased return of Childcare Register inspections began between September and December 2020.

The ongoing decline in the number of childcare providers has continued. Most of this overall decrease in provider numbers over time is due to a fall in the number of childminders.

Number of providers

There were 72,000 childcare providers registered with Ofsted on 31 March 2021, down by 4% (3,300) since 31 August 2020. Since 31 August 2015, the number of providers has fallen by 17% (15,100), which continues the decline observed over a much longer period.

Percentage change in the number of providers

Ofsted highlighted that each region in England witnessed a drop in the number of providers between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021. London had the smallest percentage decrease (-1%), while the North East (-5%), Yorkshire and The Humber (-5%), East Midlands (-5%), East of England (-5%), South East (-5%) and South West (-5%) all had the largest decreases.

Key findings

• The number of childcare providers registered with Ofsted has fallen by 3,300 (4%) to 72,000 since 31 August 2020, continuing the decline seen over a much longer period. Since 31 August 2015, the number of providers has fallen by 17% (15,100)
• The decline is driven largely by a fall in childminder numbers (down 1,800, or 5% since August 2020 and by 27% since August 2015)
• Overall place numbers remain relatively stable
• The proportion of early years settings achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings remains the same, at 96% (inspections have been largely suspended during the pandemic, meaning few ratings have been reviewed in that time).

Neil Leitch, Early Years Alliance chief exec said:

“We remain deeply concerned by the consistent downward trend in the number of providers in the early year sector, with childminders continually the worst hit.

“Ministers claim that they are putting record investment into the early years and yet, as our recent Freedom of Information investigation showed, the government has knowingly underfunded our sector for years, putting the affordability, quality and sustainability of early education and childcare provision at risk.

“The fact that 96% of providers continue to be rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ is testament to the commitment and professionalism of the early years workforce. However, the harsh reality is that without quick and decisive intervention, many of the settings currently providing these high-quality services may not be able to stay open for much longer.”