�°������ϲʹ�������

Please find a comment below from leading early years membership organisation the Early Years Alliance following the release of the National Audit Office's report on the government’s preparations for the early entitlement expansion. 

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

"The NAO is absolutely right to highlight the significant challenges facing the government as it attempts to roll out the extended entitlement offer.

"With the sector currently facing one of the worst staffing crises in its history, ensuring that there are enough early years places to fulfil the huge promise that ministers have made to parents is likely to be near-impossible without urgent action from government - namely, a comprehensive workforce strategy underpinned by adequate long-term funding for the sector.

“What’s more, we share the NAO’s concerns that the government's desperate bid to create places will result in the implementation of more and more policies that put the quality of provision at risk, which in turn is likely to have a particular impact on children from more disadvantaged backgrounds and those with additional needs."

“It is vital, therefore, that the government doesn't just take what it wants to hear from today’s report, but instead listens and addresses the warning signs laid bare by this report. The road ahead is set to be an incredibly challenging one for the government and providers alike – and it is utterly pointless for ministers to pretend otherwise.”