Commenting on the announcement that the government is investing £3 billion into post-16 skills and education, Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“This money is welcome and post-16 training and skills for employment is important. But the learning and experiences children and young people have had earlier in their lives, to help them get to that point, is also important. We need to see investment from Treasury next week into education the whole way through.”

Commenting on plans also announced today for a network of ‘family hubs’ in England to support young families, Mr Brook said:

“Investment in the early years and family support is clearly welcome. A joined up approach, bringing different services together in one place for young children and their families is the right approach to take. This must now be the start of long-term commitment to high quality early support.”