Academics Call on New PM to Transform Early Years Education and Care

In a compelling call for reform, Professor Emerita Helen Penn (UEL) and Professor Emeritus Peter Moss (UCL) have set out a vision for transforming early years education and care under the new Prime Minister. Writing at a pivotal political moment, they argue that the current administration has a unique opportunity to redesign access to quality provision for all children, moving away from marketised approaches towards a system that truly serves families and supports child development. The academics highlight the importance of viewing early years not merely as childcare to facilitate parental employment, but as a fundamental educational phase requiring substantial investment and professional recognition. They suggest that reform must address both the availability and the quality of provision, ensuring that every child can access the foundations necessary for lifelong learning and wellbeing, regardless of their background or postcode. Their intervention comes as local authorities across the country grapple with insufficient early years funding, workforce challenges, and patchy provision. The article implies that national leadership is essential to create a coherent, equitable system that supports children's centres, nurseries, and family hubs in delivering the high-standard early education that research demonstrates is crucial for narrowing attainment gaps and supporting vulnerable families.