Nursery World - Public behind plans to expand funded early education as long as challenges are tackled

Just 32 per cent of voters said they support the Government’s plan to extend the funded entitlement when made aware of low funding rates, challenges with the workforce and a lack of floor space.

The Coalition's report provides a snapshot of the public's attitudes towards childcare ahead of the general election, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

According to a report from the newly formed Early Education and Childcare Coalition on voter’s attitudes to childcare sector reform, over two-thirds (68 per cent) said they think it is a good idea in principle to expand funded childcare provision.

However, when the plans and potential challenges to the policy were discussed, support for the expansion dropped to just 32 per cent.

The report, ‘Pulse Check: Public attitudes towards early education and childcare’, is based upon a survey of 2,046 adults from across Great Britain in April, along with focus groups in the constituencies of the education secretary, Gillian Keegan, and the shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

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