Alliance welcomes Lib Dem child illiteracy pledge

19th January 2015

Commenting on the Liberal Democrat commitment to eliminate child illiteracy by 2025, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said:

“We warmly welcome the commitment to tackle child illiteracy, and the recognition that greater investment in the early years is crucial to achieving this goal. The first five years of a child’s life are vital for long-term learning and development, and it is encouraging to see this being reflected in education policy announcements in the run-up to the general election.

“That said, it is important that the drive to improve child literacy skills does not to lead to an overly-narrow approach to early education. Broader skills such as physical development and personal, social and emotional development are a fundamental part of early learning, and so it’s vital that our approach to early education remains holistic and well-rounded."

Commenting on Liberal Democrat plans to triple the Early Years Pupil Premium, Neil said:

“While the early years pupil premium is an important first step in ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are adequately supported, at just 53 per child per hour, it is likely to provide limited support to childcare providers.

“As such, we welcome the Liberal Democrat’s pledge to triple the current premium, and hope that this will prompt all parties to reflect on the need for, and value of, greater investment into the early years. Adequate funding across the sector is crucial to ensuring that all children, regardless of background, are given the best possible start in life."

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Notes for editors

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
  2. Through direct provision and its membership of 14,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
  3. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website:

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