POOR CHILDCARE LINKED TO POOR AREAS

The quality of childcare differs dramatically between areas, with provision worse in places with the most poverty and and social deprivation, Ofsted said in a new report.

In the 30 most deprived local authorities, 53% of childminders provide good or better childcare compared with 60% in the rest of England, and 54% of day care groups provide good or better care compared with 63% in the rest of the country.

"Children and families living in areas already experiencing relative deprivation therefore face further inequity because they have less access to high quality childcare provision," the report said.

The report, called Leading To Excellence, was based on evidence from 90,000 inspections of 84,000 early years and childcare providers in the three years up until March this year.

It found that in Hackney, east London, 29% of childminders were judged to be good or better, compared to Wokingham in Berkshire where the proportion is 81%.

In 25 local authorities less than 50% of the childminding is good or better.

But Ofsted did heap praise on the majority of children's centres and childminders in England, with "significant" improvements made in the last three years.

In total, 97% of nursery education is now rated at least "satisfactory" - the minimum national standard, up from less than 80% three years ago. Two thirds (60%) are now rated "good" or "outstanding."

After inspections, Ofsted told just 3% of nurseries, children's centres and childminders to make improvements. Three years ago 22% were required to take action to meet national standards.