Opinion

A far-reaching vision for the workforce in Wales

Huw Lewis, minister for education and skills, Wales, explains the Welsh Government's plans for the early years

Last month I was pleased to launch the Welsh Government's ambitious, long-term vision for the early years, childcare and play workforce in Wales.

Our draft ten-year plan for the early years, childcare and play workforce in Wales seeks to address the workforce development needs of all types of registered early years, childcare and play providers, in both the maintained and non-maintained sectors.

We're placing enormous emphasis on it because the ages of nought to seven are such a crucial time in every child's development. There is compelling evidence, such as the Effective Pre-School Primary and Secondary Education (EPPSE) longitudinal study and recent research from the Sutton Trust, which demonstrates that high-quality early education and childcare make a huge difference to children's outcomes, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the quality of this provision is a vital factor and the workforce is central to improving the quality of early years care.

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