A NURSERY company has hit back at a national report that cites ‘disjointed education’ for disadvantaged children in Middlesbrough
Rosedene, which operates 12 nurseries across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, has responded to the recently published report by the Children’s Commissioner for England.
The Best Beginnings report highlighted inequalities faced by disadvantaged children in early years provision aged up to five.
One of the areas of focus was Middlesbrough, where last year 38 per cent of children did not achieve the expected level of development by the age of five.
Rosedene is calling for better support for parents to apply for funded places and wants more action to ensure disadvantaged children aren’t left behind.
Alice McCullagh, Rosedene director, said: “This report has highlighted how essential early years care is and the impact on the child’s entire life if it’s not handled correctly."
She said that the statistics from Middlesbrough were 'eye opening', adding: “Unfortunately, there are a large number of parents, particularly from disadvantaged families, who just aren’t aware that they’re entitled to government-funded places from age two until their child starts school.
"Places are also available to all children aged three and four-years-old, meaning that no child should miss out on early years care, regardless of family circumstances."
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