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Commenting, Neil Leitch, Early Years Alliance Chief Executive, said:

"Given the vital role early education and childcare providers will play in the UK’s short and long-term economy recovery, it is both disappointing and hugely frustrating that today’s Budget did not include any specific financial support packages for the early years.

"While the extension of the business rates holiday will provide welcome relief to some providers, this is only one piece of a very complex financial puzzle, and there are many in the sector who will not benefit at all from today's announcement. 

"With early years attendance levels still well below normal, and ongoing additional costs associated with coronavirus, urgent help is needed to ensure our vital sector can continue delivering quality care and education to the children and families that need it.

"Limited financial support throughout this crisis, combined with years of sector underfunding, has already led to the unnecessary closure of nurseries, pre-schools and childminders across the country. Without urgent action, this trend will undoubtedly continue. 

"That is why, on top of emergency support during the pandemic, government must undertake a full review of early entitlement funding to ensure that the sector is able to remain sustainable in the long term. 

"Countless reports show that if the Treasury really wants to reduce long-term spending, investment in the early years sector is an investment that is proven to last a lifetime. I cannot understand why this government is so unwilling to accept that."