MPs launch inquiry into early years reforms and sector workforce

The Education Committee has launched a new inquiry into the early years sector, focusing on workforce sustainability, access to services, and the quality of outcomes for young children.

The cross-party group of MPs will examine the impact of recent changes to childcare entitlements and assess whether government reforms are supporting child development targets. 

Among the key developments under review is the Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life Strategy, announced in July.

The strategy includes a national expansion of ‘Best Start Family Hubs’, £4,500 financial incentives for early years teachers to work in disadvantaged areas, four-yearly Ofsted inspections of early years settings, and new efforts to strengthen links between nurseries and schools.

The inquiry will consider whether these measures will help the Government meet its target for 75% of children to achieve a “good level of development” by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage by 2028.

Other areas of focus include provision for families in so-called “childcare deserts” and how services can better support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The move follows a continued decline in the number of registered childminders in England, with Ofsted figures showing a 5% drop in the year to April 2025, following a 4% fall the previous year.

Helen Hayes MP, chair of the Education committee, said: “This inquiry will take stock of the recent changes and the outcomes for young children and families, as well as the implications for the wide range of settings delivering early education and childcare.

“We will also question experts and those on the front line about how the Government’s new strategy could deliver improvements and reverse a worrying decline in the number of children starting school before meeting key development milestones.”

Written evidence is being invited from sector experts and academics to be submitted before 10 October.