| Synopsis: |
Research shows that high quality childcare and early education has positive influences on child development, and that lack of accessible and affordable childcare can be a barrier to work for parents of young children. The Government has increased spending on early years provision and developed the National Childcare Strategy and a number of other initiatives. The Committee's report examines the progress that has been made in increasing the supply of early years provision, improving choice for parents and delivering improvements in care standards. Findings include that, although there has been significant investment and good progress made in increasing the number of childcare places available, there are continuing regional gaps in provision, particularly in London. Early year programmes need to focus on services for deprived children outside recognised disadvantaged areas, and more use should be made of school premises to meet unmet demand. |