Is Early Years in crisis?

Earlier in the year, I received a letter from a nursery manager in Diss about the government’s approach to funding ‘free’ places. Now that I’m a member of the Children, Families and Communities Committee at County Hall I am in a position to ask more questions. I have asked the County Council for their reaction to the concerns raised.

It’s interesting to see this report from the Early Years Alliance, too, suggesting take-up of support among those who most need it is falling.

The Government’s announcement of funding for Best Start Family Hubs sounds a lot like the return of Sure Start Centres five years after Norfolk closed most of theirs. I’ll be asking how the County Council will respond to the Best Start plans.

The letter I received is available to read here.