Almost one in five baby and toddler groups face closure as costs surge

Research published by the Early Years Alliance (EYA) has found that almost one in five baby and toddler groups in England are facing potential closure as they struggle to meet rising operational costs. These groups provide crucial support for early childhood development, offering safe spaces for parents and carers to access peer support, advice, and structured play opportunities for their children during the critical first years of life. The findings underscore mounting pressures across the early years sector, where volunteer-run and small community provision often operates without sustainable funding streams. For local authorities, the loss of these universal services risks pushing more families towards statutory interventions later down the line, whilst simultaneously removing vital early help infrastructure that supports parental mental health and school readiness. Cabinet members with responsibility for early years and family support will recognise the tension between dwindling central government funding for Sure Start-style provision and rising demand from families experiencing financial hardship. Protecting these community anchors requires urgent attention to grants, community space subsidies, and joined-up working with health visitors and family hubs to ensure England's youngest children do not lose their nearest support networks.