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Please find a comment from the Early Years Alliance following the publication of new research from Theirworld which showed that one in four UK parents have had to quit their jobs or studies due to the high cost of early education.

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

“The fact that, according to Their World’s research, one in four UK parents have had to quit their job or leave education due to soaring early years costs is extremely concerning, but sadly it comes as no surprise. 

"For years now, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders have been doing their very best to provide high quality education and care, but years of severe underfunding have left them with no choice but to increase fees just to keep their doors open. 

"If that wasn’t bad enough, Theirworld's research highlights that the UK fares considerably worse than many other countries, showing both how serious the issue is, and how neglected the sector is when it comes to government support and funding.  

"Yet, rather than listen to the sector on how best to solve the early years crisis, the government has instead opted to introduce policies - such as the 30-hours-expansion- that will only serve to further cripple a sector already on its knees. 

"It is absolutely vital, therefore, that, as government looks at how it will implement the proposals announced in last month’s Budget, it uses it as an opportunity to work with the sector to ensure it can survive the coming months and years."