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by Jess Gibson

Proposals to improve education and ease the costs of early education led the Liberal Democrat’s policy pledges at their autumn party conference over the weekend. 

On Saturday 23 September, Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson spoke of the party’s vision of an early education and childcare sector that is “flexible, affordable and fair” for all, describing their plans for the early years as “transformational”. 

The party’s proposals – outlined in the newly-published policy document,  – include reviewing the existing rates paid to providers for so-called ‘free hours’ to ensure that they cover the costs of high-quality early education, tripling the Early Years Pupil Premium to £1,000 per year, and increasing the falling number of childminders in the sector by simplifying regulations. 

The Liberal Democrats have also reasserted their long-term commitment to delivering free, full-time early years provision for all children from age two and those with working parents from nine months. 

Other plans for early years education were also revealed: 

• introducing a “toddler top-up” that enhances the rate of child benefits for one-year-olds to give all parents extra support 

• investing to close the attainment gap, which includes offering disadvantaged children aged two to four an additional five ‘free’ hours a week 

• developing a career strategy for early educators – including comprehensive training – to ensure more have a relevant early years qualification  

• creating a new training programme for early years practitioners around identifying and supporting children with SEND   

• doubling parental pay after the first six weeks to £350 per week