麻花影视comments on Sir Michael Marmot鈥檚 remarks on the early years
23rd September 2014
Responding to comments by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, director of University College London's Institute of Health Equity, on the early years, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said:
鈥淚t is vital that all children, and particularly those from more disadvantaged backgrounds, are given the best possible start in life.
鈥淩esearch has clearly shown that high-quality early education has a positive impact on children鈥檚 long-term development 鈥 and yet, despite this, the early years sector has continued to endure significant funding shortfalls, while sustained government cuts have led to the closure of vital support services such as Sure Start children鈥檚 centres.
鈥淎s highlighted by Sir Marmot鈥檚 comments, the government needs to do far more to support those children and families most in need. Substantial investment is required to support the provision of quality early years services and the delivery of targeted support and intervention, and we would urge to government to act on these concerns as a matter of priority.鈥
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Notes for editors
- The Pre-school Learning 麻花影视is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
- Through direct provision and its membership of 14,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the 麻花影视supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The 麻花影视also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
- For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: