North Tyneside childcare sufficiency statement

North Tyneside has maintained a diverse network of childcare providers able to deliver sufficient, high quality provision to meet parents and carers’ needs. However, the sector has faced significant pressures in recent years, and it is important to understand the impact on the number of registered childcare providers and the places they offer.

Number of Childcare Providers

The table below shows the total number of Ofsted registered childcare and early years registered providers in North Tyneside between March 2022 and March 2024.

The number of Ofsted registered childcare and early years providers in North Tyneside has declined from 197 in March 2022 to 177 in March 2024, which reflects national trends. This represents an 10% reduction in the number of providers. The number of providers on the early years register has reduced from 171 to 147 in the same period. It is important to understand which types of providers have exited the sector.

Childcare Providers by Type

Families have a range of childcare needs and preferences, particularly during the early years. A diverse mix of provider types is therefore better able to meet familial needs and preferences. The table below shows the provider numbers between March 2019 and March 2024 by type.

North Tyneside has experienced a decrease in the number of childminders between March 2019 and March 2024, from 127 to 90, which is a 29% decrease. The rate of decline has slowed in the past year, however the trend remains downward. The number of childcare providers operating on non-domestic premises has increased in 2024. The continued decline in the childminding sector reduces parental choice and flexibility within the childcare sector. This could have implications for families wishing to access the extended childcare entitlements, if the decline continues.

Childcare on Non-Domestic Premises

The table below shows the breakdown of childcare providers operating on non-domestic premises by provider type.

The majority of non-domestic childcare is delivered in daycare nurseries, with sessional daycare and out of school care also available. The number of full daycare providers rose between March 2023 and 2024 from 48 to 50, with the number of sessional providers also increasing from 11 to 13. There was also 2 more out of school daycare providers in March 2024 compared to the previous year. North Tyneside maintains a strong full daycare offering which is important for families with early years children. There is currently sufficient diversity in the sector to meet a variety of needs.

Number of Early Years Places

The table below shows the number of Ofsted registered early years places in North Tyneside (including estimates).

The number of Ofsted registered early years places has declined between March 2023 and March 2024. Childcare providers do not always work to their published admission number, which may result in an overestimate of capacity.

The table below shows the number of registered early years places in each locality, by provider type.