Children in London ‘at risk’ of falling behind due to the pandemic

Financial challenges facing the early years sector has led to a loss of providers in some London neighbourhoods, which is leading to gaps in provision.

Concerns about safety have also had an impact on parental confidence and take up of places.

In January 2020, 59 percent of eligible two-year-olds in London accessed their free 15-hours of early education, compared to 69 percent nationally, according to the Department for Education’s statistics for provision for children under five years of age. 

Many boroughs are concerned about the impact of a lack of early education for an extended period of time, will have on children’s personal, social and emotional development and wellbeing.

There is also widespread concern that young Londoners are at risk of losing key support for their development at a crucial point in their young lives, which will have long term implications for their attainment and outcomes.

The report says, ‘Going forward, if fewer children access early years education, primary schools will have to provide more support to address any gaps in school readiness in reception year and beyond.’

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, London Councils’ executive member for schools and children’s services, said, ‘London’s children are facing massive disruption to their early education because of the Covid-19 pandemic. If we do not act now, this could have serious consequences when they start primary school and beyond, especially for children from more deprived communities. Nobody wants to see children not being ‘school ready’ and failing to catch-up as they get older.’

The report, undertaken in September and October 2020 by London Councils, involved a survey of London borough Heads of Early Years to investigate the key issues relating to early years and childcare across the capital. Focus groups were held in November and December 2020 and 26 boroughs completed the survey.

It includes a five point plan of recommendations for how best to support the childcare sector and the young children they care for, at this challenging time.