Rishi Sunak suspends Big Bang’s childcare reforms

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Mr Sunak placed less emphasis on reforming childcare provision than Ms Truss did during last summer’s Tory leadership campaign, and he hasn’t spoken much about the region since taking office.

But Allies have pointed to his record as a consultant, including setting aside an extra £1 billion to support vulnerable children, in part through a Family Centers scheme last spring, as evidence of his determination to act.

Neil Leach, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, a leading education charity, has called on the government to focus urgently on childcare reforms.

He said the number of nurseries operated by his foundation has decreased from 132 in 2019 to 61, in part due to the cost challenges of running the facilities.

“Education begins when a child comes into this world, not when he walks through the school gates,” said Mr. Leach. Rishi Sunak should invest more in the early years, and the country will reap the benefits. It plays a role in the government’s settlement agenda and its growth strategy.”

Mr. Leach also advocated for a cabinet position in the early years.

Figures from Ofsted, the education regulator, showed 65,600 childcare providers in England were registered with them by the end of August. This was 5,400 less than the previous year – a decrease of 8 percent – and 10,600 less than in August 2019, which is a decrease of 14 percent.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We continue to review all options to improve the cost, choice and availability of quality childcare for working parents, which remains a priority for this Government.”

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