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by Jess Gibson

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) has published polling by More in Common highlighting a lack of confidence among young families in the main political parties’ election manifestos.

The polling reveals that 64% of parents do not think that political parties are doing enough to support families with children under the age of five.   

The availability of early education and childcare places remains a major concern ahead of the expansion of the 30-hour offer: 60% of parents think the main parties are not doing enough to increase the availability of places, while a further 64% of parents don't feel enough is being promised to bring down the cost of early years provision.  

The polling also showed that: 

• just 37% of families were confident that early education and childcare would improve after the election  

• 64% said parties are not promising enough for families with children under five  

• voters think the best way to improve early education and childcare in England is to ensure providers receive the right level of funding  

Commenting on the findings, Sarah Ronan, director of the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, said: “The new government will take office amid the biggest expansion of childcare support in history and just two months out from the next phase of the roll-out.  

“As our polling shows, families are not yet convinced that political parties have grasped the scale of the challenge for the early years sector or the pressure facing parents. Those running for government need to show they understand that, and more importantly, that they are willing to take action to address the root causes of the crisis in early years.  

“That action must include more support for the sector and the early years workforce so they can meet demand and deliver for babies, toddlers and their parents.”  

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the ��������, said:  "The research from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition reiterates just how vital it is for the next government to put the early years front and centre of their policy priorities.   

 "Whichever party is in government on Friday, there is no denying the fact that they start their tenure at a critical time for the early years, with providers facing significant underfunding and staffing key challenges and the sector less than two months away from the next phase of the early entitlement expansion. 

 "There is no doubt, therefore, that substantially increased funding – both now and in the long term – and a comprehensive workforce strategy are key if the next government is to have any chance of ensuring that all families, regardless of their background or location, can benefit from affordable, high-quality early education and care."