The number of childcare places has increased by 17,400 over the last year, mostly driven by nurseries and preschools, according to Ofsted.

The number of childcare places stands at 1.29 million, with 1.13 million places offered by providers of “childcare on non-domestic premises”, up by 26,100 (2%) since last year.

The number of “childcare on non-domestic premises” providers, which includes nurseries and pre-schools as well as out of school clubs, has increased by 470 (2%) since 31 March 2024.

The number of childminders registered with Ofsted decreased by 1,250 (5%) over the same period, and the number of home childcarers, such as nannies, also decreased.

Overall there were 60,400 childcare providers registered with Ofsted on 31 March 2025, down by 1,370 (2%) since last year.

The vast majority of childcare providers (98%) were judged good or outstanding at their most recent inspection, with little change since last year.

Purnima Tanuku, executive chair of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said: “These figures from Ofsted show how well private, voluntary and independent nurseries are delivering the vast majority of early education and care places. The report shows that a higher number of nurseries this year are being judged as good or outstanding compared with last year. 

“These nurseries work in a way that suit the needs of working families and to a high standard that helps improve children’s outcomes. This is despite all the challenges they are currently facing.”