News

Government treatment of early years sector 'unforgivable'

Policy & Politics Provision Funding Families
Early Years Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch has said the Government’s treatment of early years settings during the pandemic was ‘unforgivable’ and vowed to continue to put pressure on ministers for more funding for the sector.
Neil Leitch, chief executive, Early Years Alliance, said the early years sector had been treated as 'an afterthought' by the Government during the Covid crisis
Neil Leitch, chief executive, Early Years Alliance, said the early years sector had been treated as 'an afterthought' by the Government during the Covid crisis

Yesterday, the charity published the shocking findings of its Freedom of Information (FOI) investigation which revealed that ministers have been aware that early years settings were severely underfunded for years and that the 30-hour childcare policy would lead to higher costs for parents.

Speaking at the organisation’s annual conference yesterday evening, Mr Leitch said that early years had been ‘on the frontline throughout the crisis’, but the Government had failed to ensure that settings ‘had the support to operate safely and sustainably’.

He said, ‘When the Government announced last year that schools could apply for funding to meet additional cleaning costs, worth up to £75,000 – early years was excluded.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here