The Early Years Alliance has laid out its calls for the next government around improving childcare in England.
The organisation's manifesto focuses on emergency financial rescue packages for the sector, funding to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and a recruitment and retention strategy for the early years workforce.
Other key calls in the manifesto include:
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Provide additional funding for healthy and nutritious meals and snacks in early years settings.
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Increase early years pupil premium to match primary school funding levels.
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Provide practical and financial support for baby and toddler groups as part of wider family support initiatives.
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Exempt all early years providers from business rates and paying VAT on purchases.
