New research from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) and More in Common shows a high level of support among voters in England for early education and childcare.

Prioritising early education and childcare

Data from the EECC’s annual Pulse Check shows that:

• 68% voters think the next government should prioritise early education and childcare as much as primary school
• 68% voters believe increased funding in early years would benefit the country in the long term (and 44% believe this would save money long-term)
• 67% believe early education and childcare is good for the whole country.

Early years and childcare availability

The report also outlines concerns about the lack of early years places:

• 59% of voters concerned about availability (rising to 81% parents of under-fives and 77% parents of children with SEND)
• There was higher concern about availability among Black voters (78%) and Asian voters (64%) compared to 52% of White voters.

Working and parenting patterns

The polling also showed support for parental choice in balancing parenting with work:

• 60% voters support extending paternity and maternity leave (rising to 80% of parents under 5)
• 71% voters supported greater flexible working rights (rising to 94% parents of children with SEND and 81% among single parents)

Find more details on these polling figures in the Early Education and Childcare Coalition’s Pulse Check 2024.

The coalition’s recently published ‘Rescue and Reform’ manifesto outlines it’s calls on the next government to improve early education and childcare, backed by over 30 organisations including PACEY.

Helen Donohoe, PACEY Chief Executive and co-chair of the Coalition comments:

“Voters understand the value of early education and childcare for the future of our country. Equally, they feel strongly that every child should have access to high quality childcare in their community that fits their needs, be that a childminder or a nursery. However, that wish is not being fulfilled. Voters are anxious about availability. It’s an issue that cannot be ignored by any prospective government and we look forward to hearing what visionary plans our political leaders are going to set out.”