Demand is expected to rise by about 15%, equivalent to over 100,000 additional children needing full-time care. This expansion, set to take place over the next two years, is leaving parents struggling to find suitable childcare.

One mother, Jasmine Johnson, was shocked to learn that her local nursery had no available places until September 2025, forcing her to consider reduced work hours and ask her parents for help with childcare.

Childcare providers and experts express concerns about the strain on the system, challenges in recruiting staff, and the potential for even longer waiting lists. While the expansion aims to support working parents, it may result in substantial waiting lists and increased uncertainty for families seeking childcare services.

The childcare sector is also dealing with a staffing shortage, with fewer people working in childcare in 2022 compared to 2019. Nursery provider Busy Bees is already training apprentices to meet future demand but anticipates the need for 1,500 additional staff in two years.

The government is investing in childcare but must ensure adequate funding to cover the costs. Parents are advised to secure childcare places as soon as possible, as availability may become increasingly limited in the future. Challenges in implementation and access must be addressed to ensure the success of the expansion of childcare hours.