Childcare crisis claims as centres cut back

Some 15 per cent of Sure Start centres questioned by the charity 4Children said they were “struggling” with budget cuts, while 50 per cent said their finances were less sustainable as a result.

The charity warned that, without solid funding arrangements from central and local government, centres may not be able to continue to cope in the long run.

The survey was released as the Government’s Childcare Commission launched a consultation on how to improve the accessibility and affordability of childcare.

David Cameron, who announced the establishment of the commission last month, said it wanted to hear the ideas of “everyday experts – parents, childminders and nursery owners – on how we can make the system better and more affordable”.

But Labour said the 4Children survey showed that the PM needs to “get a grip” on childcare.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “There is enough funding in the system to retain a very strong national network of Sure Start centres – open to all but targeted much better at the poorest children.

“We’ve never hidden the fact that this is a tight spending settlement. It is down to councils to judge best how to prioritise budgets; cut back waste to give the taxpayer value for money; and retain a high quality, effective childcare.”