Please find below a comment from Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, on the appointment of Olivia Bailey as Minister for Early Education.

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

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Olivia Bailey in her new role as early education minister.

“As she is no doubt aware, the early years sector is facing many challenges, not least chronic underfunding and an unprecedented recruitment and retention crisis. As such, we hope the new minister will provide the much-needed stability and consistency to deliver the Best Start in Life strategy successfully – for both families and children, and providers.

“At this critical moment for the early years, we look forward to working closely and collaboratively with Olivia Bailey to make sure the sector is supported to give every child the best possible start in life.”