Which region of the UK has the worst childcare availability?

Based on 2024 data, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North East have the greatest proportion of people living in childcare deserts. At a local level, Walsall in the West Midlands has the highest ratio of under-5s to childcare places, at 6.55 children per place. The North East and West Midlands also recorded the lowest overall childcare accessibility in England.

What is a childcare desert in the UK?

A childcare desert is any area where there are three or more children for every available registered childcare place. Research from the New Economics Foundation found that around 44% of children under five in England live in a childcare desert, with more than 1.5 million children directly affected. Rural areas and more deprived local authorities are disproportionately likely to be classified as childcare deserts.

How much does childcare cost by region in the UK?

Costs vary significantly by region. According to the Coram Family and Childcare Survey 2025, the average cost of 25 hours of nursery care per week for a child under two ranges from £60.51 in Yorkshire and the Humber to £92.01 in Inner London - a 52% difference - after government-funded entitlement hours are deducted for eligible parents. In Scotland, a part-time nursery place averages £122.38 per week, and in Wales £155.04 per week, both rising in 2025.

How does the 30 hours free childcare work and is it available everywhere?

From September 2025, eligible working parents in England can access 30 hours of funded childcare per week from when their child turns nine months old until they start school. Eligibility requires both parents to work at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage and neither to earn over £100,000 adjusted net income. However, place availability is not guaranteed - around a fifth of English councils reported insufficient places to meet demand even for eligible families. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own separate schemes.

Is childcare for children with SEND available across the UK?

Provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is one of the most significant gaps in the UK childcare system. The Coram 2025 survey found that only 9% of English councils reported enough SEND childcare places for at least 75% of eligible children. In the East Midlands, East of England, and Inner London, zero councils reported sufficient SEND provision.

What are my options if I live in a childcare desert?

If formal provision is unavailable or limited in your area, practical alternatives include flexible in-home care through platforms like Bubble, which connects parents with vetted babysitters and nannies available across the UK. It is also worth contacting your local council's Family Information Service, which can advise on local provision, waiting lists, and any additional support available in your area.