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Official figures from Ofsted show the number of childcare providers and places has fallen since last year, raising fears over how the expansion of the funded hours will be met.
Plans to give working parents extra help with childcare costs are "unfairly targeted", charities say.
Early years leaders have urged Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to deliver “urgent reform” to the childcare system alongside adequate investment, following reports he is set to reject plans to expand free childcare provision.
More than half of eligible families are missing out on support through tax-free childcare accounts amid concerns this form of funding is too complex for parents and providers.
Some schools are due to close their doors to all pupils on Wednesday as a result of the strikes.