CYP Now - ‘Complex and confusing’ early years system is failing families, researchers warn

Researchers are warning that a “piecemeal” approach to expanding childcare provision by politicians over the last 25 years has resulted in a disorganised early years system that is failing to meet the needs of families.

Researchers have called for a whole-system review of government early years policy. Image: Oksana Kuzmina, Adobestock

They warn that this “dysfunctional” approach to early years policy has created a “complex and confusing system” that does not meet the objectives of governments.

The research by the Nuffield Foundation highlights how the focus of policy has shifted from using early years to support children’s development and reducing inequality to increasing access to work.

Researchers want to see a “whole-system review” of early years in England that is focused on affordability, improving quality as well as better training and pay for nursery workers and childminders.

An overhauled early years system also needs to ensure it is making a “a particular difference to the lives of disadvantaged children”.

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