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<p>65% of early years childcare places in England are provided by private, voluntary,
and independent group-based providers in a market-based system. The key measure of
market health monitored by the department is whether the supply of available places
is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents and children. This is monitored
rather than whether changes occur in the number and type of providers, which is typically
a feature of a healthy, competitive market.</p><p>The majority of eligible two, three,
and four-year-olds have continued to access free childcare despite the challenges
faced throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. Local authorities are not reporting any substantial
sufficiency or place supply issues that they are unable to manage locally. The department
has not seen a substantial number of parents saying that they cannot secure a childcare
place, either this term or since early years environments re-opened fully on 1 June
2020.</p><p>97% of early years childcare providers are rated good or outstanding by
Ofsted.</p><p>The department continues to evaluate the sufficiency and quality of
childcare provision. It also endeavours to help local authorities, parents, and early
years providers to ensure the sustainability of the sector.</p><p> </p>
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