Third of nurseries ‘may close within 12 months’

A third of nurseries face closure in the next 12 months, a poll has found, with the Government being blamed for a lack of support during lockdown.

Reduced capacity, rising operating costs and a lack of Government help were among factors behind 81 per cent of more than 1,600 early years providers stating that they were operating at a loss, the survey found.

Almost four fifths (78 per cent) said they believed the Government had not given enough financial support to the sector, according to the poll conducted by childcare.co.uk, the UK’S biggest online childcare platform.

Nurseries closed in March and were allowed to reopen on June 1.