Responding to a new report from her Centre for Young Lives think tank and the Child of the North, which highlights the huge number of children not starting reception class ‘school ready’, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“The disruption caused by the pandemic undoubtedly had an impact on the development of some young children, and many school leaders have reported concerns around speech and language development in particular.

“High-quality early years education is one of the nearest things we have to a silver bullet in education, and is vital in helping to narrow the gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers.

"It is therefore positive that the new government has made clear that early years is among its top priorities, and it will be important that policies like expanding nursery provision and improved access to childcare are supported by the necessary funding and investment in the workforce. We would also like to see crucial support services rebuilt so that young children receive the support they need as early as possible.”