Charity urges tech giants to remove 'suitable for babies' ratings for under-twos
Ian Morgan, chair of Early Years Voice, is urging the early years sector to engage with the Competition and Markets Authority's review, warning that without a full market investigation, recommendations on Government funding risk being shelved. The campaign group argues that only a thorough investigation will deliver meaningful change for childcare providers.
Government data reveals a concerning decline in early years funding uptake among disadvantaged families, whilst support for working families has increased. The figures prompt serious questions about whether current funding models ensure equitable access to childcare for all families.
The Government is urgently reviewing the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) system after it emerged a nursery worker was able to secure employment at an early years setting whilst on bail for possessing indecent images of children. The case has exposed significant safeguarding gaps in how criminal allegations are flagged to employers in the childcare sector before conviction.