Nursery World - What does the early years sector want for the coming year?

Leading figures and professionals in the early years reflect on an incredibly challenging year and share their wishes for a better 2021 with Annette Rawstrone

Robert Halfon MP, chair of the Education Select Committee

‘Everything I’ve learnt shows that investment in the early years of a child’s life pays off in the long run. Our Education Select Committee’s report, Tackling disadvantage in the early years, demonstrated the importance of early intervention. It highlighted the work of Manchester City Council, which assesses development eight times between birth to five years old and intervenes as needed.

‘The Government’s Spending Review commitment to the continuation of £60 million in funding for maintained nurseries in the next financial year is welcome, but they are the gold standard of early provision and need long-term financial support. The Government should also reform the 30 hours free childcare offer so that it is also given to parents out of work. A helping hand for parents is key. Rolling out family hubs around the country would support them in building stronger relationships.

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