Commenting on a speech by Bridget Phillipson at RISE conference setting out the Plan for Change in relation to school readiness, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"We know the incredible impact high-quality early education has on children’s lives. However, the government’s school readiness agenda falls short of the mark.
"Children and educators don’t need data tools and metrics, they need investment, so settings and family services are able to meet our youngest children’s needs.
"It is a contradiction for this government to say they recognise the benefits of high-quality early education whilst our Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) continue to face the threat of cuts and closure. MNS are run by specialist, highly qualified educators who are experts in the pedagogy, environments and practices that young children need to thrive.
"Government is making a huge mistake not to be utilising and expanding MNS as part of their Plan for Change. Maintained Nursery Schools need to be front and centre of the drive to ensure our early years education gives every child the best start."