In their first three years children develop physically, cognitively and emotionally at a faster rate than at any other time in their lives.

As a Dad and Grandad, I’ve been lucky enough to see this process first hand on multiple occasions. It seems like one second, you’ve got a babbling baby weighing little more than 3 bags of sugar and the next thing you know you’ve got a walking, talking toddler that is learning something new every hour of the day. 

It is precisely this development that makes early years so important. Studies suggest that high quality early childhood education and care can have positive and long-lasting impacts on children’s outcomes, particularly for children living in more deprived communities. 

Over the last few years, we’ve seen childcare climb the political agenda as extortionate costs have pushed parents to the brink, and nursery places are becoming harder and harder to find. 

The average annual cost of a full-time nursery place for a child in under two is now £14,896, with just 50% of areas in England now having sufficient provision for this age group. In the North West, the cost of childcare has increased by over £1,500 since 2018. 

These figures are staggering and putting families – many of whom are already struggling because of the cost-of-living crisis – under extraordinary pressure. 

The truth is the current system is no longer fit for purpose. It’s incredibly complex, even more expensive and risks widening inequalities in childcare. I don’t want to live in a country where the money you have in your pocket dictates the outcomes for your children. It’s essential that we build a future where every family – irrespective of where they grow up – has access to high-quality, affordable childcare. 

I’m really pleased, then, that Labour has committed to overhauling childcare in England to make sure that it works better for all families right across the country. This work will come alongside our pledge to fully-fund breakfast clubs for every primary school in England, something I know will make a huge difference to families right across Tameside.  

Ultimately, however, childcare is not an issue that can wait for a change of Government. It’s too important and effects too many lives. I’ll keep fighting in Westminster for more action, so that we give parents, guardians and children in Tameside the support they deserve.