More than half of children from disadvantaged backgrounds arrive at school not ready to get the most out of the classroom environment according to Action for Children.
Action for children, a charity, provides support for parents, children and young people who have been born into poverty and face inequality. They run 200 children’s centres and 37 nurseries giving children and young people the practical and emotional support they need to help them thrive and build the skills they need for adulthood.
Alex Cunningham MP for Stockton North questioned the Government yesterday during the Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Education regarding improving early year’s development in the home he asked:
“Action for Children are concerned that half the children from disadvantaged backgrounds arrive at school not ready for to get the most out of the classroom environment what is the secretary of state doing to improve early years development in the home to make sure every child is ready to learn on their first day.”
Caroline Dinenage MP – Parliamentary under the Secretary of State for Education replied:
“The home environment is fundamental in early year’s environment. This government is investing over £6 billion a year in early years by 2020. Its more than any government has ever spent before and we will be looking closely how we can improve the home learning environment.”
Speaking after the debate, Alex said:
“ I am happy the Government is investing over £6 billion in early years however, the Government should publish a plan on how and what the money will be spent on. I agree with Action for Children that much more needs to be done to help disadvantaged children in the home but sadly the Minister didn’t have anything to say on that.
“It’s important that each child gets the same quality of life to ensure that their education doesn’t suffer”
