Early Years Education

Baroness Manzoor Excerpts

Wednesday 14th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My noble friend picks up on an area of enormous debate, including whether the approach that he suggested is indeed the best value for money. I am sure that there are occasions when that is the case, but we need to be careful that we look at providing an education where such additional support is not a 100% requirement. I know there is split opinion on this, and I am sure we will watch it carefully.

[Baroness Manzoor (Con)]

My Lords, I come back to screen time. There is significant evidence now that, for young children, particularly under the age of five, spending a lot of time on screens actually changes the neural pathways in their brains. We understand that gap and so the Government must start doing something constructive about this now, because it will damage our young children.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Baroness picks up an important point. We know how important ages nought to five are in development, particularly of the brain, and going forward. As I said, the evidence on this is emerging and good practice is coming forward. It is heartbreaking that young children arrive at school and, when they are given a book, just turn the pages, because they have never held a book in their hands, for example. There is an enormous amount to do and the noble Baroness raises an important question about the long-term impact that this is having on children’s brains.