Alliance reacts to Early Education and Childcare Coalition research showing most voters wants next government to prioritise early education as much as primary school

Please find below a comment from the Early Years Alliance on new research published by the , of which the Alliance is a steering group member, and More in Common.

The findings show that 68% of voters believe the next government should prioritise early education and childcare as much as primary school. In addition, 81% of parents of children under the age of five are concerned about the availability of early years places.

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

鈥淭oday鈥檚 research makes one thing clear: regardless of who the next government is, early education and childcare must be a key part of their policy priorities.   

鈥淲hile it is positive to see that most voters want to see all political parties commit to early education, the fact that 81% of parents under five are concerned about the availability of places shows not just the importance of including the sector in short and long-term plans, but the need for any commitments to work in practice 鈥 both for early years providers and families alike.  At the very least, this must mean a comprehensive workforce strategy and funding which reflects the cost of delivering high-quality early education and care.  

"With less than a month until the general election, we urge all political parties to value the importance of the early years both in words and actions. After all, given the litany of challenges facing the sector at the moment, it can ill-afford to be pushed to the sidelines.鈥