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The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment in response the news that the number of children in receipt of the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) is at its highest level on record. The data relating to this can be read 

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:

“Given the impact that the pandemic has had on the incomes of many families across the country over recent years, it is not surprising – though still very concerning – that that the number of children in receipt of the Early Years Pupil Premium has increased so sharply. 

“We know that children from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit the most from high quality early years provision, and yet at just £342 per child per year, the EYPP is still only a fraction of the £1,385 pupil premium that primary schools currently receive. The early years are critical in shaping a child’s future development and opportunities. Therefore, there is no justification as to why the sector should receive a lower pupil premium.  

“As such, we urge the government to increase EYPP funding to at least match primary schools funding levels, and in the long-term, commit to the wider sector investment needed to ensure that early years providers can continue to deliver the high-quality education, care and support that these children both need and deserve.”