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Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

“We welcome Nadhim Zahawi's appointment as education secretary and look forward to working closely with him in his new role. There is no doubt that he takes over the Department for Education at a critical time, with the Spending Review just weeks away. 

"For far too long, the early years has not been given the same respect or recognition as schools, colleges or universities, and this has undoubtedly been reflected in the sustained lack of support – both financial and practical – that the sector has received over recent months and years. 

“Given his previous post as early years minister, Mr Zahawi's appointment marks the opportunity for a new approach, one in which the early years is finally recognised and valued as an integral part of the education sector. We hope that he will embrace this opportunity and look forward to working with him in the months to come.”