In response to the speech given today at the NEU conference by Bridget Phillipson, Shadow Secretary of State for Education :

Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of NAHT said: “We agree that investment in the Early Years is one of the best ways to close the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. We know that such gaps already exist by the age of five and early intervention is therefore one of the best tools we have available. The proposal to increase the Early Years pupil premium is particularly welcome and something NAHT have been wanting for a number of years.”