Alliance slams failure of Secretary of State to acknowledge early years in latest statement

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

"While we note that newly-published DfE guidance confirms that childcare providers in the worst affected areas of the county are able to remain open as of next week, it beggars belief that during today’s critical statement to the House of Commons, the education secretary didn’t even bother to mention the early years sector once.

“Absolutely no information has been given as to the scientific basis for this decision, or why it has been deemed safe for nurseries and childminders to remain open, but not primary schools. This is something the education secretary could and should have taken the opportunity to provide during today’s announcement.

“Mr Williamson is Secretary of State for the whole of the education sector - including the early years, and it’s high time he started acting like it. We urge the DfE to provide a clear scientific basis for today’s decision and ensure that all childcare providers are reassured that their safety and wellbeing, and that of the children in their care, has been fully taken into consideration by the government.”