Early childcare must be top-quality

The Sutton Trust’s Sound Foundations report was highlighted in a letter in the Guardian.

It is good, as you say, that there is now a political consensus building around the need to offer some childcare from the age of two (Leader, 17 February). However, if this new early learning provision is to be “what is best for children themselves”, it is essential that qualified staff are in place or the evidence shows that these new places will do little to improve social mobility. Our recent Sound Foundations research report for the Sutton Trust found that much current provision for two-year-olds is not yet fit for purpose. Offering less than high-quality places to young children whose parents are not in work addresses neither the child development nor child poverty aims. We have therefore recommended the government delay its planned expansion of free places for two-year-olds and focus on improving the quality of provision for the 20% of two-year-olds already entitled to free places. Investing in relevant qualifications and training for childcare workers is central to ensuring the best outcomes for all children. In the longer term, we will never achieve the quality of care necessary for our younger children without addressing issues of pay and conditions as well as qualifications.

Naomi Eisenstadt, Professor Kathy Sylva, Sandra Mathers Department of Education, University of Oxford

Read the full article here.