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

"At a time when there is so much focus on access to ‘childcare’ element of early years provision, this report is a timely reminder of the vital early education that nurseries, pre-schools and childminders are delivering every day, and the tangible impact that losing access to this education can have on young children. 

"We know that many providers who were forced to close during lockdown worked incredibly hard to stay in touch with and support families throughout that period, and continue to show great commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing and development as they settle back into their nursery or childminding environment. 

"It is vital, however, that the early years is given adequate support to do this. As such, it is incredibly disappointing that the government has still failed to extend the 'catch-up' funding given to schools to support children who have been negatively impacted as a result of missing education during lockdown to the early years sector. 

"аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø¿ª½± have done an incredible job of supporting children in their care throughout this pandemic, but they should not be left to tackle this challenge alone. It’s time the government remembered that early years provision is not just about getting parents back to work - it’s about delivering high-quality learning and development opportunities at the most critical time of a child’s life - and started providing the support that the sector needs to continue doing just that."