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by Jess Gibson and Shannon Pite

Improving outcomes in the early years is a key part of the government’s long-term plan to deliver change, the prime minister announced today in a speech.  

Speaking about the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ in Buckinghamshire today, the prime minister set out the milestones that it will use to measure whether or not it has achieved its six key missions by the end of this Parliament. The missions are: growing the economy; an NHS fit for the future; safer streets; secure power through clean energy; and breaking down barriers for opportunity. 

The government has now confirmed that it will measure its progress within the ‘opportunity mission’ by aiming to increase the number of five-year-olds reaching a good level of expected development in their Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) assessment to 75%, up from the current 67.7%, by 2028. 

To achieve this, the government aims to: 

• continue the rollout of government-funded early education support to improve access 

• work in partnership with the sector, offering sustained professional development and helping providers to grow evidence-based programmes 

• Strengthen and join up family services. 

Commenting, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Life shouldn’t come down to luck. So, this new government is on a mission to spread opportunity far and wide, to give every single child the very best life chances.” 

Earlier this week, Early Years Alliance CEO Neil Leitch represented the early years sector at a roundtable with the prime minister on the Plan for Change. 

Following the announcement today, Neil said: “We know that the early years are absolutely critical in determining a child's long-term life chances. Given this, it is undoubtedly positive that the Prime Minister has identified early education as key to the government’s opportunity mission, and we look forward to working with ministers in this important area. 

“Of course, if we are going to give all children, regardless of background, the best possible start in life – and support them to succeed not just at school, but beyond – we simply must be willing to invest what is needed to deliver consistent quality provision, and attract and retain the knowledgeable, experienced and passionate early educators that we know make such a difference to child's early learning experiences.  

“As such, it remains critical that ministers ensure that our sector is adequately funded, both now and in the future – particularly in light of the changes announced at the Budget and the financial pressure that they will undoubtedly place on providers. 

“Today has the potential to mark the start of a new approach to the early years: one that has the needs of the child at its centre, and that at long last recognises and values the important role that our sector plays in the lives of children and families. What we need now are the practical changes – and investment – that will help ensure that the ambitions outlined today can become a reality.”