Education secretary’s conference speech hails importance of early education and outlines first phase of school-based nurseries plan
by Jess Gibson
Bridget Phillipson’s first speech as Secretary of State for Education at the Labour Conference today highlighted Labour’s “mission to deliver opportunity for the next generation”, starting with “our youngest children” and early education.
In her speech, Bridget Phillipson recognised the importance of early education, committed to a child-centred government, and confirmed the first phase of its plans to increase the number of school-based nurseries.
The Secretary of State for Education said: “So much in life depends on those crucial early years: before school, when the gaps between rich and poor open up. It is my first priority; the life chances of our children, and the future of our country demand nothing less.
“Conference, a year ago I told you that we were launching a review of early years education. Our manifesto pledged 3000 new school-based nurseries.
“Today, I can tell you that change begins, and delivery begins: those extra places start opening next year – the first phase of our new nurseries of high-quality early education, boosting life chances for children and work choices for parents.”
The speech also noted Labour’s plans for funding and standards, saying that tax breaks for private schools will end in just under a hundred days to help fund school-based nurseries alongside stating a dedication to end child poverty.
Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: “For far too long, education has been viewed as something that starts at the school gates. As such, we warmly welcome the education secretary’s recognition of the pivotal importance of early education and care, and her commitment to a child-centred approach to government.
“With the expansion of the early entitlement offer now well underway, it is absolutely right that the government looks at how it can increase provision to ensure that every child can access and benefit from early education and care, especially given that many families – and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – are likely to find it increasingly difficult to access places as the rollout of the scheme continues.
“That said, while the government has now confirmed the initial phase of its plans to increase the number of school-based nurseries, it must not be forgotten that private and voluntary nurseries, pre-schools and childminding professionals still provide the vast majority of early years places. We know firsthand that the educational professionals working in these settings are experienced at delivering the high-quality early education and care needed to support children's learning and development, the benefits of which can be seen throughout their time in school and beyond. As such, we're clear that this vital part of the sector must be central to any reform plans.
“What's more, while increasing physical capacity must undoubtedly play a role in meeting rising demand, such action can only ever be effective if we have enough educators to deliver these places. It is therefore critical that steps are also taken to address the sector’s longstanding staffing challenges – namely, a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy – alongside funding that reflects the costs of delivering high-quality early education in the long term.
"But in the face of the significant challenges that lay ahead, it remains both positive and refreshing to see a growing recognition of the importance of children's earliest years. We look forward to working closely with the government to help ensure that every child, without exception, gets the start in life they deserve."