Alliance comments on Sir Michael Marmot’s remarks on the early years
23rd September 2014
Responding to comments by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, director of University College London's Institute of Health Equity, on the early years, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said:
“It is vital that all children, and particularly those from more disadvantaged backgrounds, are given the best possible start in life.
“Research has clearly shown that high-quality early education has a positive impact on children’s long-term development — and yet, despite this, the early years sector has continued to endure significant funding shortfalls, while sustained government cuts have led to the closure of vital support services such as Sure Start children’s centres.
“As highlighted by Sir Marmot’s comments, the government needs to do far more to support those children and families most in need. Substantial investment is required to support the provision of quality early years services and the delivery of targeted support and intervention, and we would urge to government to act on these concerns as a matter of priority.”
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Notes for editors
- The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
- Through direct provision and its membership of 14,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
- For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: