Written Question·Department for Education·UIN 119178

Nurseries: Waiting Lists

Tabled: 9 March 2026

Answered: 20 March 2026

Question

James McMurdock

Independent — South Basildon and East Thurrock

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps is she taking to address waiting lists and delayed start dates for nursery placements.

Answer

Olivia Bailey

The department continually monitors the sufficiency of childcare in Essex. The number of places on Ofsted’s Early Years Register in Essex rose by 4% (or 1,500) from 37,400 as at 31 December 2024 to 38,900 as at 31 December 2025.The department has regular ...

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