PACEY has signed an open letter to political leaders calling for greater investment in high-quality childcare provision, particularly for the most disadvantaged children. The letter points to evidence that shows the children who benefit most from high quality early years provision are those whose families are struggling in the most challenging economic circumstances.

Authored by the British Association for Early Childhood Education, and signed by PACEY Chief Executive, Liz Bayram (pictured right), alongside a number of early years organisations and experts, it calls for the up-skilling of the early years workforce to create a graduate-led profession, which they say would give children the best possible start in life.

Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of PACEY, said: "PACEY will continue to stress the importance of quality childcare provision in this country, whoever forms the next government. 

"Promises of increased free childcare from all the main political parties are welcome but are only half of the equation. The sector also requires sufficient investment to ensure a supported, qualified and incentivised early-years workforce, able to offer children the highest level of early years care and education. This is something PACEY continues to campaign for and we look forward to working with the new government at the earliest opportunity to ensure that investing in the early years workforce is given high priority."