Nursery World - Early years spending 'cut by more than 20 per cent'

Education spending is falling at the fastest rate since the 1950s, with early years one of the hardest hit areas, the Institute for Fiscal studies warns.

An analysis by the IFS estimates that public spending on education in the UK will fall by 13.4 per cent in real terms between 2010-11 and 2014-15, representing the largest cut in education spending over four years since at least the 1950s.

Capital spending and higher education will be the worst hit, followed by 16-19 education and early years provision, the report says.

The IFS says that spending on early years and youth services is expected to be cut by more than 20 per cent in real terms.

The report contrasts the cuts to early years with spending in early years under the previous Labour Government, when it was one of the fastest growing areas, alongside capital spending on schools and further education. During the ten years to 2010 spending one education rose by 5.1 per cent in real terms.

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