Pulse Check: Public Attitudes
Towards Early Education and Childcare
As part of our ongoing work to change the national conversation on early education and childcare, we carry out an annual survey of public attitudes. In doing so, our primary aim is to understand how the public views and values the sector. Pulse Check also captures the public’s opinion of recent policy developments, whether they are working, and where we go next.
NEW: PULSE CHECK 2024
This year’s Pulse Check was conducted in the midst of the largest expansion of early education and childcare in history, and just weeks ahead of a General Election announcement.
While last year’s report captured the public reaction to the seismic Spring Budget announcement on childcare, this year’s Pulse Check reflects the initial impact of that expansion as well as the wider financial pressures on both the sector and households.
The Snapshot
68% of all voters think the next government should prioritise early education and childcare as much as primary school
The same number says more funding for early years would benefit the country in the long-term, while 44% think funding early education and childcare now would actually save the country money in the long run
81% of parents of children under five are concerned about the availability of places in England
80% of all voters think every child should be able to access a place in early education and childcare no matter where they live in the country
Pulse Check 2023
Our first annual Pulse Check was published in September 2023 and was an insight into the public reaction to the expansion of the 30-hour offer announced at the Spring Budget in March 2023. It looked at what the public already understands about early education and childcare, their view of the early years workforce, and who really benefits from investment in the sector.
Pulse Check 2023 was conducted by More in Common and Claremont with focus groups held in the constituencies of the Education Secretary and Shadow Education Secretary.
The Snapshot
42% of UK voters said that early education and childcare reform will be key in deciding who to vote for in the next General Election
59% said that investing in early education and childcare is good for the whole country, not just parents
A majority (40%) support investing more taxpayers’ money in early education and childcare even if it means higher taxes for all, rising to 59% among those wanting to become parents