Devon maintains strong childcare provision despite falling birth rates

Devon continues to maintain a strong supply of childcare places despite a fall in birth rates and rising demand linked to the government’s expansion of funded childcare, councillors were told at a Devon County Council cabinet meeting on Wednesday 14 January.
At the first cabinet meeting of the year, members reviewed the council’s latest Childcare Sufficiency Assessment, an annual report that examines whether there are enough high-quality childcare places to meet the needs of working families across the county.
The assessment underpins the council’s priority to secure “positive futures for our young people” by ensuring early years provision is accessible in communities and supports children’s readiness for school. It also aligns with the government’s Best Start in Life strategy, which aims to improve early childhood development outcomes, including increasing the proportion of five-year-olds achieving a Good Level of Development by 2028.
This year’s report reflects the most significant change to childcare entitlements in a generation, with funded hours extended to babies from nine months and due to increase further from September 2025.
According to the assessment, Devon now has enough childcare places for around four in every ten children aged 0–4, outperforming the national average of three in ten. This represents an improvement on 2022 figures and shows that, despite a slight reduction in the number of providers, the overall number of places has increased.
The number of Ofsted-registered providers in Devon fell by just 0.3 per cent last year, a smaller decrease than seen regionally and nationally. Over the same period, the number of childcare places rose, particularly for babies, toddlers and wraparound care. Before- and after-school places have increased sharply, and several schools have lowered their age range to admit two-year-olds.
The private and school-run sectors continue to expand, while voluntary-run settings and childminders have experienced gradual declines.
Despite a 2.9 per cent fall in the number of under-fives, demand for childcare remains high. Rising employment, particularly among mothers, combined with the expansion of funded hours, has led to increased demand for full-day, year-round provision.
Almost 2,000 parents responded to this year’s survey, with 45 per cent saying they would like more childcare, especially wraparound and holiday provision. Demand is highest in Exmouth, Clyst Vale, Culm Valley and Barnstaple.
Provision for under-twos remains the greatest challenge, with 67 per cent of wards lacking sufficient places.
Devon continues to exceed national averages for funded childcare take-up. The report shows that 91 per cent of three- and four-year-olds are able to access funded places, with 72 per cent of eligible two-year-olds taking up their entitlement. In addition, 77.8 per cent of eligible babies and toddlers are accessing the new working parents’ entitlement.
Take-up of the Early Years Pupil Premium has also increased, particularly in more disadvantaged areas.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“As childcare reforms roll out nationally I’m pleased to say that Devon is in a strong position although I do recognise that there is more work to do particularly in regards to a lack of spaces for under twos.
“Last year we secured £1.48 million of Government funding that has enabled us to support new baby, toddler and wraparound places and we are planning further investment in former children’s centre buildings, and several schools have secured national funding to expand their nursery provision.
“We know families rely on high quality, accessible childcare, and we’re committed to working with providers and schools to make sure every community has the places it needs.”