Alliance responds to EPI research highlighting lack of manifesto commitments to address the early years disadvantage gap

The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment following analysis from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) on manifesto pledges for education, ahead of the general election.

In the analysis the EPI highlighted a lack of focus to improve access to early education and care for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

"Today鈥檚 EPI report is absolutely right to highlight the lack of manifesto commitments to addressing the disadvantage gap that exists within early education and childcare.  

"We all know that early education not only has a significant impact on a child鈥檚 development, and in turn their chances in later life, but that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have the most to gain from this. Yet, regardless of which party forms the next government, it looks likely that many will continue to be frozen out of being able to access places. 

Now, with just over a fortnight until the election, a strategy to support disadvantaged children and families must be a central focus for all parties. No family should be prevented from benefitting from early education and support just because of the circumstances they are facing.鈥