Education is an emotive subject, and is often subject to much political reform, as those working in it will testify. Low numbers of new mothers in work, and increasing recognition of the importance of high-quality childcare, have fuelled the desire from policymakers to intervene. Austerity, then Covid-19, have more recently also shifted the policy focus.
Recent policies have included the early years entitlement, in particular the 30 hours, and the effect of this, along with a flattening of support for the costs of childcare through the tax credit and benefit system and a sharp fall in the number of Sure Start Children's centres, has been to shift the focus of spending away from disadvantaged families.
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