Bright Blue responds to the Government’s new Giving every child the best start in life strategy.
Ryan Shorthouse, Executive Chair at Bright Blue, commented:
“These are strong steps to improving the services and education children receive in the earliest years of their lives, which is the most critical window for development.
“The evidence on the efficacy of Children’s Centres, which the Conservative Government renamed Family Hubs, has been growing and is now strong; especially on the health outcomes for parents and children who participated in Children’s Centres. It is excellent, therefore, that these Family Hubs will now be expanded. But we need one in every community, not just every local authority.
“High-quality early years education is one of the strongest determinants of educational attainment later in life. The EPPSE study shows that one of the most effective mechanisms for raising quality in formal childcare settings is higher-qualified staff. As Bright Blue has long called for, it is right to give stronger financial incentives to teachers to work in pre-school settings in deprived areas.”
- Salary supplements to attract and retain the best educators into early years settings in the most disadvantaged communities.
- Expansion of Family Hubs for more comprehensive coverage across the UK.
Notes to editors:
To arrange an interview with a Bright Blue spokesperson or for further media enquiries, please contact Ryan Shorthouse at ryan@brightblue.org.uk or on 07754 672233.
- Bright Blue is the independent think tank and pressure group for defending and improving liberal society.
- Bright Blue’s Board includes Diane Banks, Philip Clarke, Alexandra Jezeph, Richard Mabey and Ryan Shorthouse.
Our advisory council can be found here. Members of our advisory council do not necessarily endorse all our policy recommendations.
Image credits: Monica Sedra
