Recognition of the critical importance of early childhood development has continued to gain traction among both experts and the public, with growing consensus that experiences during the first five years can have profound, lasting impacts. A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) underscores this, describing early childhood as a "window of opportunity, but also of vulnerability."

England’s approach to early years care and education has seen notable achievements despite challenges. The foundation laid during the New Labour government’s Sure Start programme, which aimed to support families and young children, was significantly scaled back during the subsequent Conservative-Liberal Democrat austerity period. However, findings from the latest OECD Early Learning and Child Well-being Study reveal that England’s five-year-olds continue to demonstrate strong social-emotional development, ranking at the top among participating countries.

While these results provide a degree of optimism, concerns persist regarding school readiness, particularly among children arriving in reception classes lacking basic skills such as climbing stairs. Addressing the persistent attainment gap between economically disadvantaged children and their wealthier peers remains a priority. In response, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper recently announced plans to expand the Healthy Babies programme through additional family hubs, a move aimed at supporting early development and reducing inequalities.

Ministers are being urged not only to tackle these disparities but also to build on the sector’s existing strengths—many of which are legacies of earlier investment in Sure Start. England’s early years framework, less celebrated than the national curriculum yet internationally respected, continues to underpin much of this progress.

Funding for early years care has increased substantially, with working parents eligible for up to 30 hours of subsidised childcare per week from nine months until the start of school. The Conservative government is proposing to remove the £100,000 earnings cap on eligibility, a £700 million policy expected to benefit higher-earning families. Critics note that this demand-led model tends to favour wealthier areas where families can afford additional childcare costs, while families without working parents receive less support and private providers concentrate services in more affluent regions.

The Competition and Markets Authority has identified instances of private childcare providers generating excessive profits within the children’s social care market. A government-commissioned study into the role of private nurseries, requested by former Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, aims to determine if similar issues exist in early years settings and to inform strategies for directing resources to low-income areas. Additionally, an upcoming review by Alan Milburn on young people and employment is expected to emphasize the importance of early years provision in preparing children for formal schooling.

The OECD’s recognition of young children’s vulnerability was tragically underscored by the abuse of toddlers by Vincent Chan at a London nursery, spotlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in safeguarding. Increased frequency of Ofsted inspections has been welcomed as a positive step toward stronger oversight.

Going forward, government officials are encouraged to acknowledge not only the challenges but also the successes in early years care, with a view to reinforcing and expanding effective programmes to benefit the youngest and most vulnerable.