Aiming to improve the quality and accessibility of early years education, the government has launched its Best Start in Life Strategy. Backed by £1.5 billion of funding, the first stage of the strategy will see tax-free payments of £4,500 offered to attract early years teachers in disadvantaged areas.

The strategy also aims for Ofsted to inspect all new early years providers within 18 months of opening, and that all providers be inspected at least once every four years, as opposed to every six years as is currently the case.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said “My driving mission is to make sure every child has the chance to succeed no matter their background – and this new strategy will help give our youngest children the very best start in life.”