The Early Years Alliance has raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s statements on the early years during his Downing Street Briefing.

So far, the sector has largely been left out of statements regarding the national lockdown and relief packages.

After the statement, Boris Johnson responded to a question from a member of the public about the reasons for keeping early years settings open by referring to provision of childcare for key workers.

Early years settings have been asked to stay open as normal to all children, with funding being withdrawn if parents choose not to take up their Government funded place this term.

Commenting, Neil Leitch, Early Years Alliance chief executive, said:

‘It is deeply concerning for all those working in the early years sector that when questioned on the decision to keep settings open, the Prime Minister and his advisors could only point to the need to provide childcare to key workers. Providers are being asked to operate as normal, offering childcare for all those who wish to use it. Does Mr Johnson really not know his own government’s policy?

‘Many nurseries, pre-schools and childminders want to remain open, but only with clear scientific evidence that it is safe for staff as well as young children. The Prime Minister must be honest about what he is asking early years practitioners to do, and provide the support they need to do it.’