by Jess Gibson
There is strong support among parents for expanding early education and childcare as part of the government’s ‘school-readiness’ drive, new research commissioned by the Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) has found.
The poll – conducted by More in Common on behalf of the EECC – forms part of the EECC’s annual Pulse Check report, which collects and analyses public attitudes towards early education and childcare.
When asked which policies the government should prioritise to achieve its plan for 75% of children reaching a good level of development by 2028, 60% of parents of under-fives said the government should prioritise making the 30-hours of funded early education and childcare available to all children.
Alongside the expansion of early education and childcare provision, the poll also found that:
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44% of parents of under-fives think the government should also prioritise increasing support for parents around enhancing the home learning environment.
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67% of the public think that making more childcare available for low-income families would also help to tackle child poverty.
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71% of the public think that all children should have access to early education regardless of their parents’ employment status.
Sarah Ronan, Director of the EECC, said: “There’s little doubt that school-readiness is an imperfect metric for child development, but the government’s mission is helping to focus attention on the first five years, and that’s no bad thing. More support for parents is part of the solution but, if we don’t address the inequality that is baked into early education, the children most in need will continue to be left behind. Parents know it, the public knows it, and they want the government to do more.”
“Widening access to early education and childcare will support more disadvantaged children to thrive and their parents to work, helping to reduce child poverty. It’s a win for all of us, with the potential to save money in later interventions, improve health and social outcomes, as well as reducing reliance on means-tested benefits.
“If the government is serious about breaking the link between background and opportunity, it cannot continue to preside over a system that determines a child’s access to education by how much their parents earn.”
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: “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.”