By Zoë Varenne
The Education Committee has launched an inquiry into the early years sector looking at issues around the sustainability of the workforce, families’ access to services and the quality of outcomes for young children.
The committee will use this inquiry to examine the government’s Best Start in Life strategy, announced in July, and whether the government’s new policies will support its aim for 75% of children to achieve a ‘good level of development’ at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage by 2028.
The committee will also focus on how the government can ensure the sector is equipped to be inclusive to families across the country, including areas that have become ‘childcare deserts’, and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Academics and experts in the early years sector have been invited to submit written evidence to the committee by 10 October 2025.
Education Committee Chair Helen Hayes MP said:
“The early years sector has seen significant reforms in recent years in terms of how services are provided and funded.
“This inquiry will take stock of the recent changes and the outcomes for young children and families, as well as the implications for the wide range of settings delivering early education and childcare.
“We will also question experts and those on the front line about how the Government’s new strategy could deliver improvements and reverse a worrying decline in the number of children starting school before meeting key development milestones.
“Many in the sector have welcomed recent announcements from the Department for Education. The Education Committee will now look at whether the proposals will deliver on its ambitions.”