Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has taken recent steps to increase the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds who have access to early years education settings.

Education is a devolved matter. This response outlines the information for England only.

Two-year-olds from disadvantaged families can access 15 hours of free early education. This includes low-income households, looked-after children, and children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. The aim of the entitlement is to support children’s early development. The eligibility criteria target those children that are the least likely to attend, but who evidence shows are most likely to benefit. As of January 2022, 72% of eligible families were taking up their free place.

In addition to this, 92% of three and four-year-olds are accessing the universal entitlement. This offers 15 hours free early education to all three and four-year-olds to support them to prepare for school.

The department works closely with local authorities to support them to engage parents and understand barriers preventing parents from accessing their place.