Alliance comments on research from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition showing that 42% of voters say early years will be key in deciding who to vote for in general election

The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment in to research from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, of which the Alliance is a steering group member. 

The Coalition's research explores voters attitudes to early years and childcare reform and shows: 

  • 42% of British voters, childcare and early education reform will be key in their decision about who to vote for in the general election
  • 44% of people think that childcare and early education professionals are underpaid
  • Almost two-thirds (59%) of voters think that good early years education benefits the whole country, not just families

Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

 “It is positive to see that such a significant proportion of the general public recognises just how crucial quality early education and care is, not just for children and families, but the country as a whole. 

“As we move ever closer to the next general election, it is critical that politicians – from all political parties – understand this too. For far too long, manifesto pledges and policies have focused on promising more and more ‘free childcare’, with no thought given to how to make this work in practice, rather than developing a clear and comprehensive plan to support providers to deliver high-quality, affordable and sustainable early education.  

“As the Coalition’s research shows, all political parties need to head into next election with the early years at the heart of their respective policy agendas. Anything less will not only fail to persuade voters but, in the long term, put the entire future of the sector at risk.”