Ofsted report says too many missing out on free early education

A new report says that last year around 80,000 eligible children did not take up their free place at an early years setting, equating to one third of all eligible children in England.

The report was commissioned by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw to provide a better understanding of how local authorities, schools and registered early years providers are tackling the issue of disadvantage for children in the most deprived communities.

In the most prosperous areas, only eight per cent of children are in early years provision that is less than good. For children living in the most deprived areas, this figure more than doubles to 18 per cent.

In a commentary published alongside the report, HM Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said: “It is clear from our survey that some local authorities, schools and early years settings are making effective use of the funding available to them.

"However, there was a discernible lack of such ambition in a number of the local authorities we visited. Any potential for improving the prospects of the most disadvantaged young children was too often thwarted by weak leadership, ineffective managerial oversight, duplication and inefficiency. In these councils, government funding was not being used in a sufficiently targeted, co-ordinated way to make a difference.

"It is clear from our findings that action is needed on a national and local level to address these variations and to ensure the weakest places learn from the best. Early education has the potential to drive social mobility and improve outcomes for the next generation. We should not let them down.”

Gill Jones, Ofsted Early Education Deputy Director, said: "Our survey found many examples of early years settings providing rich experiences for poorer children.
However, it is clear that young children from poorer backgrounds often do not get the support to which they are entitled. I want all early years settings to make sure that key information is shared promptly at the point of transition, so that the needs of children from poorer families are known quickly. Many early years settings are making effective use of the early years pupil premium, but I want all of them to ensure that this additional support is focused on improving the areas of development which help children catch up."

Ofsted’s report recommends ways that schools, early years settings and childminders can improve the situation, such as ensuring key information is shared promptly at points of transition, so that the needs of the most disadvantaged children are identified quickly.