Responding to research by the Duchess of
Cambridge-led Royal Foundation research on early years, Cllr
, Chair of the
Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board,
said:
“Good quality early education has a
positive impact on young children’s development, as recognised in
the report, while childcare more broadly enables parents and
carers to work and often gives children the opportunity to
interact with other children and try new things in a safe
space.
“Childcare providers have been a vital
part of the nation’s response to coronavirus and councils have
been working closely with them to ensure that vulnerable children
and critical workers have the childcare they need, which this
research highlights is vital in the early years of childhood
development.
“The LGA has repeatedly raised concerns
about the underfunding of the early entitlements, so it was good
that extra funding was announced in the recent Spending Review.
However, with many early years providers struggling due to
COVID-19, it was disappointing that this was not a more
significant and immediate investment to support providers during
this unprecedented time.
“It is crucial we retain the good quality
early education and childcare that improves children’s outcomes
and reduces the disadvantage gap. Given recent evidence that up
to one in six early years providers may not survive winter due to
COVID-19, immediate investment is
needed.”
Notes to
editors
-
One in six years providers may not
survive winter due to COVID-19, according to a report last
month by Early Years Alliance.
