Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she plans to take to increase funding for the early years childcare sector.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has been clear in her commitment to early years. Despite tough decisions to get our public finances back on track, this government has increased investment in the early years sector to drive forward progress towards our plan for change target of a record number of children starting school ready to learn.

In the 2025/26 financial year alone, this government plans to spend over £8 billion on early years entitlements. We have also announced the largest ever uplift to the early years pupil premium, increasing the rate by over 45% compared to the 2024/25 financial year, raising it to the equivalent of up to £570 per eligible child per year.

On top of this we are providing further supplementary funding of £75 million for the early years expansion grant to support the sector to provide the additional places and workforce needed by September 2025.

We are also providing £25 million through the forthcoming Employer National Insurance Contributions Grant for public sector employers in the early years.

Future spending decisions beyond the 2025/26 financial year will be announced at the next spending review.