London boroughs are concerned that children are being left behind because they have missed out on early years education entitlements during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The damaging effects of a lack of early education will have a long lasting on generations of children if there is a reduction in the capacity of the sector.
The early years sector is facing significant instability. London boroughs are concerned about the potential closure of smaller providers. This will leave communities without access to local provision when they need it.
Entrenched disadvantages have been widened by the pandemic, reducing access to early years provision. Gaps in access, especially in areas with higher levels of deprivation can be damaging to children’s life chances, holding back their attainment at school and beyond. It also places more pressure on primary schools, who will have to provide support to address these gaps.
We urge central government to support the early years sector to continue to deliver vital education and childcare and ensure that no child is left behind.
Our five-point plan outlines how this can be done. You can read this plan in our ‘The best start for young Londoners: Strengthening London’s early years education offer following the Covid-19 pandemic’ report.