Alliance calls for greater focus on early years as Children's Commissioner publishes 'Big Answer'

Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

"We at the Alliance have always argued that the voice of the child should be at the heart of everything we do as an education sector, and so we welcome the Children’s Commissioner’s efforts to ensure that the thoughts, views and concerns of children play a central role in shaping policy. 

"That said, the need to find a way to listen to those children who may not yet be able to speak for themselves should not be forgotten or overlooked – and we are mindful that while today’s report makes some important recommendations about how to improve children’s experiences in school and as they enter their working lives, reflections on the value of quality early years provision are distinctly lacking. 

"We know that the first five years of a child's life play a pivotal role in their long-term life chances. Given this, we hope that the Children’s Commissioner will ensure a much greater focus on meeting the needs of children in the early years as she takes this important work forward."