To many parents, and early years workers, the crisis in the sector is no surprise. High-quality nursery education, including that offered by childminders, ought to be understood as a social good, similar to primary schools. Children from low-income families and those who are vulnerable for other reasons (disability, addiction) benefit particularly from early years education. Had the government paid more attention to gender in its Covid response, early years would have been a higher priority. Failing to offer them the same financial support as schools was a mistake that must be put right.

Source: The Guardian May 10, 2021 18:24 UTC