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Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:

"We are both disappointed and frustrated that the only mentions of the early years at today's Spending Review were what appear to be reiterations of previously-announced funding commitments.

“While we recognise ministers are planning an early years review later this year, the fact is the sector needs support now. The government has today confirmed funding for the continued delivery of the early entitlement offers, but the fact is that unless this money reflects the cost pressures created by sharp national insurance rises and the true cost of minimum wage increases, the early years sector will continue to face the same challenges that we are seeing today. That means rising costs for parents for any non-funded hours, settings forced to restrict funded places and in the worst cases, permanent setting closures.

“We stand ready to work constructively with ministers to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life – but the fact is this cannot be achieved without sufficient investment into the sector."