Commenting on data released today by the Department for Education concerning funded early education and childcare, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"Given that high quality early education and care is essential to improving children’s life chances, it is not a surprise that demand for funded hours are now at record levels since entitlements were expanded.
"The sector’s growing reliance on public funding gives the government significant influence and accountability on shaping this sector. They must listen to concerns regarding funding and workforce pay and conditions, so settings can afford to stay open and recruit and retain the specialist staff they need.
"The government should be building up high quality public provision with Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) front and centre. MNS provide the highest quality of early education, especially for disadvantaged families and children with SEND. Funding pressures make their future uncertain. The government must act now to protect and expand MNS and consider how they can support the delivery of funded hours."