The Telegraph reports that nurseries in rural areas are under threat as one in five has closed its doors between 2015 and 2020, according to figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

Concerns have been voiced over the impact that declining breakfast and after-school clubs will have on parents, adding to cost of living pressures.

Families living in rural areas often have to grapple with limited provision and longer journeys to access childcare and rural nurseries have also been particularly affected by difficulties recruiting and retaining staff.

Jim McMahon, the shadow environment secretary, said: "Yet again our rural communities are left behind and taken for granted by the Tories. Soaring childcare costs are compounding the cost of living crisis putting increased pressure on families while pricing others out of parenting."

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The Telegraph - Nurseries under threat in rural areas with one in five closing in recent years
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