Most voters want political parties to prioritise the early years sector, new research out today from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition shows.

New joint analysis from Ofsted and the Ofsted for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed significant disparities between availability of early years settings across England.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published a letter to the Department for Education (DfE) highlighting challenges in meeting the number of early education and childcare places available for the entitlement expansion.

Prioritising the early years has the potential to benefit the UK’s economy, according to a new report released today.

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) has today launched its new manifesto, which sets out proposals to ‘rescue and reform’ England’s early education and childcare sector

The number of early education and childcare places in England fell by 56,000 between 2019 and August 2023, representing a 4.3% fall in places, new research by the House of Commons Library shows.

The second phase of the government’s early entitlement expansion opened on Sunday 12 May, sparking fresh concerns about the early years sector’s capacity to accommodate demand.

More than 211,000 eligibility codes have been validated by providers

The National Audit Office has warned of "significant uncertainty" around the feasibility, costs, and benefits related to the scheme

73% of respondents supported the proposal to introduce an experienced-based route in last year's EYFS consultation

Government says the changes will strengthen existing requirements.

Overall, 40,000 additional educators and around 85,000 new places will be needed by September 2025.