Commenting as the government announces further details of their expanded childcare and wraparound care provision, which will allow parents to find out their eligibility online, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Early years education is vital to children’s progress and attainment, and an expansion of childcare is desperately needed. Unfortunately, the money behind this expansion is a fraction of what is required.

"Our members are also questioning where they will find the additional staff. There is a real danger that the government’s promises could fall short in reality if they don’t urgently look again at the funding and resources.”