CEY1707

Written evidence submitted by the Early Childhood Forum

The Early Years sector needs radical reform, not fragmented change.

Key issues include

Total lack of understanding that the early years are the most important years in a child’s life and need huge investment.

Insufficient funding leading to closure  of hundreds of nursery schools and early years settings Lack of career progression - the Nutbrown review which looked at the status of early education and childcare and made recommendations to support and strengthen qualifications was completely ignored Poor pay has led to practitioners leaving the sector and huge difficulties in recruitment Closure of hundreds of Children’s Centres providing support for parents and families and early intervention .

Early years in 88% countries continues to age 6 or 7 and testing  children does not happen. Provision is free.

Baseline assessment at entry to school helps neither parents , teachers or children and impedes children and practitioners developing a good relationship vital for effective learning.

Insufficient numbers of health visitors mean less support and advice for parents with babies and young children Children with special educational needs and disabilities do not get the support they need early enough or at all in many cases.

The current provision of childcare is neither affordable or easy to understand .

Closures have meant that there is insufficient provision.

Workforce issues are described  above .

January 2023