Commenting on publication of the government’s Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life strategy, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“We agree that a great start to life is transformational to both individuals and society. Expanding family services and SEND support will help identify need and offer help at the earliest opportunity.
“We are glad that this strategy recognises the significant impact highly qualified staff have on children’s learning and development. Ensuring these highly skilled practitioners have access to decent pay and conditions will be key to ensuring the government’s plans are deliverable.
“It is good to see that the expertise of Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) will be utilised to support quality in the sector, but the government must go further. MNS must be protected through better funding and then expanded – these unparalleled settings are best placed to drive forward the government’s plans for change.”