Early years investment must survive cabinet reshuffle, argues charity chief

As speculation mounts about a potential cabinet reshuffle and the future of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, sector leaders are urging ministers to protect early years investment regardless of who holds office. Felicity Gillespie, chief executive of early years charity Kindred Squared, argues that the school readiness target and broader focus on the first five years of life must remain national priorities even as political fortunes shift. The intervention comes at a crucial moment for children's services, with local authorities already struggling to meet demand for early years provision and family support. Gillespie's call for continuity reflects widespread concern across the sector that changes in Westminster could derail hard-won commitments to early childhood development, just as local government begins to embed new family hub models and expanded health visitor services. Maintaining the school readiness target is particularly significant for councils, who face increasing pressure to ensure children arrive at school equipped to learn whilst managing tight budgets and rising costs in children's social care. The message to incoming ministers is clear: early years policy must transcend political cycles if the UK is to close the attainment gap and give every child a fair start, regardless of which party holds the levers of power.