Childcare in England failing and falling behind much of world, charity says

Fawcett Society warns sector is lacking in ambition and delivery and calls for free ‘universal’ hours

• Labour in a bind over much-needed childcare reform

England’s childcare system is failing and falling behind those of much of the rest of the world, a UK charity for gender equality and women’s rights has said.

The Fawcett Society said childcare in England was failing on several fronts: affordability, quality and levels of public spending.