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Please find below a comment from the Early Years Alliance following the publication of the 's (EPI) final part of its 2023 Annual Report which finds that the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils has increased across all education phases since 2019.  

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

“Today’s EPI’s report makes for a very concerning read.  

“Not only does this research highlight the lasting impact the pandemic has had on children’s attainment of education, but, crucially, that this gap is already clear to see in the early years. 

“At the Alliance, we know that the early years plays a vital role in addressing the disadvantage gap, and that ensuring children are given access to high-quality early education increases the chances of them thriving in later life.  However, we also know that despite the very best efforts of the sector to ensure that every child can benefit from the best quality early education and care, the raft of challenges we face – not least underfunding and the ongoing staffing crisis – is making this an uphill battle that is only getting steeper.  

“We therefore urge all political parties to head into the next election with tackling the education disadvantage gap, starting with the early years, at the heart of their respective policy agendas. As today’s EPI’s research shows, the consequences of doing nothing are too severe to ignore.”