Government confirms spending on early years priorities will be protected ahead of Autumn Budget
by Jess Gibson
Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves confirms steps to protect early years priorities as part of the Labour Party’s first Budget since being elected to government.
She states that “improving opportunities for our children and young people will be a key feature” of the upcoming Autumn Budget 2024.
£1.8 billion has also been confirmed to support the expansion of government-funded childcare, helping deliver the roll-out through local authorities with a further £15 million of capital funding allocated to expand school-based nurseries. , with the first stage of the plan set to support up to 300 across England, aiming to create places in areas experiencing the most demand.
The investment to rebuild school buildings – alongside funding for children’s social care, breakfast clubs and early years education and childcare – reflect the government’s stated commitment towards education and breaking down the barriers to opportunity for all children.
Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, said: “This is a Budget about fixing the foundations of the country, so there can be no better place to start than the life chances of our children and young people.
“We are determined to break down those barriers to opportunity – whether it’s brilliant early years, free breakfast clubs, or high and rising standards in our schools, this government is putting education back at the forefront of national life.”
Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: "Given recent reports of widespread departmental cuts, confirmation that spending on early years priorities will be protected at the upcoming Budget is undoubtedly welcome news.
"Of course, that said, with the ongoing early years staffing crisis – driven in no small part by low pay – and the fact that funding rates for the three- and four-year-old entitlement offers continue to fall far below the cost of delivering places, we know that simply maintaining the status quo will not be sufficient in the long term.
"Looking beyond the Budget, therefore, it's critical that the government works closely with the sector to develop a clear, long-term strategy for the early years – one that ensures that every child is given the best possible start in life – and, crucially, puts in place the significant investment needed to make this ambition a reality."