Please find below a comment from the Early Years Alliance on the Early Education and Childcare Coalition’s 2025 Pulse Check Report: Public Attitudes towards Early Education and Childcare.

Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, commented:

“We have long argued that the early years should be viewed as critical education, and not just childcare, and so it is positive to see that the majority of parents recognise the importance of early years provision and the role it plays in giving children a good start in life.

“That said, we would also stress that the early years is about more than getting ready for school – the early years is a critical stage of education in its own right, and quality early education and care plays a vital role in building character, instilling confidence and self-belief, and supporting children to develop life-long learning skills.

“With the Government’s Best Start in Life strategy particularly focused on closing the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers, we are glad to see such high public support for giving all children access to early education, regardless of their parents’ employment status, alongside recognition that improving early years availability is an important part of tackling the effects of child poverty.

“Now is a real opportunity for change for the early years, and one that can most effectively be driven by providers and parents working together to demand more for our youngest children – and this includes ensuring that all children have access to the early learning opportunities that will enable them to thrive for years to come.”