Steve Beasant

Liberal Democrats today passed Early Years, which calls for further investment in early years education.

The motion calls for:

• A feasibility study into a Nursery Premium, similar to the Pupil Premium
• The Government to do more to encourage uptake of free early years education in all communities
• Increasing the Early Years Entitlement, as finances allow

Commenting, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Education, Dan Rogerson said:

“The first few years of a child’s life are crucial for their future development. With the right help, they do better academically and in their personal development.

“That is why investing in early years education to create opportunities and help for those who are most likely to struggle, children from poorer backgrounds, pays off many times over as it reduces the need for costly interventions in later life.

“Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government have been doing the right thing in expanding provision of free early years education to include the poorest two-year-olds and made it more flexible for all three- and four-year olds.

“Conference has made clear Liberal Democrats want to build on this and go further. Children deserve nothing less than the best we can offer them.”