Writing on X yesterday, Morgan said, ‘Huge thanks to the team at @LEYFonline Marsham Street for taking the time to speak with me today.
‘Early years educators are at the heart of our vision for driving better opportunities for our children. Together we can give every child the best start in life.’
Morgan's responsibilities at the Department for Education (DfE) are expected to be confirmed soon, but it seems likely that he will take on the early years brief.
London Early Years Foundation’s (LEYF) chief executive, June O’Sullivan, said about the visit on X, ‘Always happy to host visits with people who are genuinely interested in what is best for children. We can do this!’
Education minister Stephen Morgan with LEYF chief executive June O'Sullivan
June O'Sullivan, chief executive of London Early Years Foundation, said, ‘It was an honour that LEYF was chosen as the first social enterprise nursery organisation to be visited by Stephen Morgan MP in his new ministerial role, responsible for delivering better childcare and early education. We share the government's vision in setting every child on the journey to improved life chances whilst driving high and rising standards across the Early Years sector. Now, more than ever, do we need to see action and much needed change.’
It comes after the education secretary Bridget Phillipson visited Arc Start Oval Nursery, a setting within a school in Croydon, earlier in the week.
According to reports, during the visit she pledged to deliver a 'sea change” in early years, calling it her “number one priority'.
The education secretary reportedly said, 'I will work hand in hand with our brilliant early years professionals to roll out childcare entitlements and build a system that works for them, for our children and for parents.
'That means more places through our plan to use primary school classrooms; more staff through a re-energised recruitment campaign; and better outcomes for children through improved early language and maths support.
'The early years are pivotal to our children’s life chances – this Government will treat them that way.'
