Pre-school carers 'must do better'

More than 12,000, about three in 10 or 30 per cent, of those inspected by Ofsted between September 2008 and September this year were rated only "satisfactory" while 687 – 2 per cent – were judged "inadequate".

The figures come as separate statistics published by the regulator revealed that nearly 500 childminders had left the profession in the last three months.

Ofsted's figures reveal how well nurseries and childminders – officially "early years providers" – are doing at meeting the needs of youngsters in their care.

The findings show that more than half (59 per cent), around 24,000 in total, of those inspected were rated "good" while one in 10, just over 4,000 (10 per cent), were found to be "outstanding."

The figures also reveal that nearly three in 10 (27 per cent) of the places inspected, around 11,000 in total, were rated no better than "satisfactory" for safeguarding – the extent to which children feel, and are kept, safe.

A further 2 per cent (760 places) were declared "inadequate" in this respect.

The separate figures show a drop in the numbers of registered childminders working in England, as well as a slight fall in available childcare places.

At the end of September, there were 56,710 registered childminders, down from 57,204 at the end of June - a fall of 494.

And there were 1,302,476 places at the end of September, compared to 1,303,547 three months ago.

This means there are now 1,071 fewer places.

Children's Minister Sarah Teather said: "Good quality childcare and early years education can directly tackle the gaps in attainment that open up in the critical early years of a child's life.

"That's why the Deputy Prime Minister last week confirmed that we have protected funding for free nursery education for three and four year olds – and a new Fairness fund will include 300m to extend 15 hours per week of free education to all disadvantaged two year olds. Through the dedication of hardworking professionals we can continue to drive up standards so that every child gets the start in life they deserve," she said.