The Sutton Trust, a social mobility charity, has issued a warning regarding a potential “major deterioration” in early years education. They argue that the current government’s emphasis on childcare over high-quality education may lead to a widening attainment gap between disadvantaged and wealthier children. The charity criticizes the government’s approach, stating that it treats the early years sector primarily as childcare, putting educational quality at risk and exacerbating inequalities.
The concern is tied to the government’s plans to offer free childcare to working parents, with the Sutton Trust urging politicians to commit to a core education entitlement of at least 20 hours per week for all 2-4 year-olds, regardless of family income. The report also questions Labour’s plans for the sector, noting the absence of commitments to addressing inequality and a lack of a long-term strategy for the early years workforce.
The charity emphasizes the need for action to prevent a “baked-in disadvantage” for children before they even start school. Additionally, concerns are raised about the impact of closures of maintained nursery schools on disadvantaged children, with warnings that these closures will continue without adequate funding. The Department for Education and Labour have been approached for comment.