EEF - Sir Kevan Collins comments on the Education Committee report on early years

Commenting on the Education Committee’s report on tackling disadvantage in the early years, Sir Kevan Collins, Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), said:

“The Committee is absolutely right to call for more focus on tackling disadvantage in the early years. They are a vital time in the life of any child and play a significant role in shaping who they will become and the opportunities they will have. 

While the link between family income and learning even among young children is clear-cut and hard to break, it is not inevitable.

“Part of the answer lies in giving toddlers from disadvantaged homes access to high-quality, evidence-based nursery provision, with well-trained and skilled staff. Family life is also a crucial part of that equation and finding the best ways for parents to support their children’s early learning, especially in language and literacy, should continue to be a key focus of early years policy.”