Crunch time? Sustaining and improving the early years and childcare sector through COVID-19 and beyond

The last 20 years has witnessed an unprecedented expansion in early years and childcare provision. But the COVID-19 pandemic poses profound questions for its future. This webinar will explore how the pandemic has impacted early years and childcare provision, with a focus on the challenges facing the early years workforce and young children from disadvantaged families.

Drawing on the latest research evidence and experience relating to early years provision, the panel will consider the policy interventions necessary to sustain and improve the early years sector through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. How durable is provision – particularly the private childcare sector – as the disruption from the pandemic continues? What opportunities are there for early years provision to help young children to make up lost ground and support the most disadvantaged families?

This webinar is part of our new Changing face of early childhood in Britain series, which brings together the research evidence on early childhood in the UK and present recommendations for policy and practice, as well as priorities for research. Our aim is to engage with all those with an interest in early childhood, including all tiers of government and statutory agencies and those working in early years provision and childcare, public health, schools, children’s social services, GPs, health professionals and parents.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Molly Imrie, Events & Communications Officer (mimrie@nuffieldfoundation.org)