Alliance responds to EEF report on the impact of the pandemic on young children
Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive at the Early Years Alliance, said: “We know that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the learning and development of young children, many of whom have spent the majority of their lives under some form of Covid-19 restrictions. As such, it is not surprising, though still disheartening, to read the EEF’s research detailing the knock-on impact that Covid-19 has had on a child’s attainment in their first year of primary school.
“This research highlights just how important early education is in laying the foundations for a child’s future. Despite the disruption brought on by the pandemic, early years providers have gone above and beyond to help young children catch-up on vital education.
“However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so in a sector that is so grossly underfunded, and will become all the more challenging if the government proceeds with its plan to relax ratios at a time when children need more support than ever.
"What nurseries, pre-schools and childminders provide is not just childcare, but vital early education. It’s time the government recognised this fact and rather than wasting time on ratios, gave the sector the respect, appreciation, and, most importantly, investment that it needs."
The Education Endowment Foundation's report: The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Children's Socioemotional Wellbeing and Attainment During the Reception Year can be read .