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Please find below a comment from the Early Years Alliance following the publication of the government's child development outcomes at two to two-and-a-half, which showed that the proportion of toddlers at the expected level of development has dropped. 

The findings can be accessed 

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

"Today’s findings are concerning but sadly not at all surprising.

"Over recent years, the early years has faced an array of challenges which have created a perfect storm for providers. Not only is the impact of the pandemic still being felt when it comes to children's development, but the sector is facing its worst staffing crisis in decades. As a result, many settings have been left with no choice but to rely on bank and agency staff to fill staffing gaps, making it all the more difficult to deliver consistently high-quality early education and care. 

"With so many debates and discussions on the need for more 'affordable childcare', today’s findings serve as a timely reminder of the importance of quality early education – something that recent changes to ratios and staff qualification requirements risk completely undermining. 

"Let's be clear: if the government is serious about supporting children’s development, quality must be the central focus of every early years policy. Anything less, and these worrying trends will only continue."