Laura Sharman 17 July 2020

Call to 'supercharge' early years services

Early years services are failing to target the children that most need support, a report has warned today.

e Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, argues the system needs a complete overhaul, with too many children from disadvantaged families falling behind before they even start formal education.

The report calls on the Government to create a ‘Best Beginnings’ strategy bringing together the Healthy Child Programme, the Early Years Foundation Stage, Children and Family Hubs, antenatal services and the Troubled Families Programme.

It also calls for an expanded offer of free childcare, reform of Universal Credit and an emergency funding package for childcare providers.

Ms Longfield said: 'The Government must make the early years a priority and drive reforms so that all children start school ready and able to learn and progress. Alongside high-quality early education, this means making sure that every family is guaranteed the support they need to help their young child to thrive, and to prevent early challenges turning into serious problems.

'This ‘Best Beginnings’ guarantee should make early years a central building block of the national recovery plan to level up children’s life chances, support families and boost the economy.'

In response, Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: 'The current offer does not give parents clarity about the best options for their children and there are growing concerns about the provision for disadvantaged children, those with special needs, and significant challenges facing the workforce.

'COVID-19 has also exacerbated the financial challenges facing early years providers and there remains an urgent need for additional funding to support them.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner