Figures showing a steep increase in the number of safety incidents involving children at nurseries in England are a reminder that the government-funded expansion of early years education needs to be monitored closely. The increased entitlement to free places, which was announced by the last government and is being rolled out gradually, is hugely welcome. Bridget Phillipson’s decision to prioritise new nurseries in the north and Midlands in the first round of funding was a good one.

High-quality preschool settings are a crucial foundation for future learning. They are particularly important at a time of rising concern about young children’s development – with growing numbers arriving in reception classes unable to feed themselves or go to the toilet. Currently, early learning opportunities are not evenly or fairly distributed – partly because providers rely on income from fees as well as public funding. The 4,000 new state nursery places that are due to come on stream by September should provide a boost to preschoolers in poorer parts of the country.

Nearly all nurseries are safe. Many are excellent. Overall,........

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