“We are pleased that Ofsted has highlighted that high quality childcare is vital to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. However, investment and better pay and conditions are necessary if we want the childcare providers that serve the most disadvantaged children to deliver high quality care. “Ofsted also highlighted the problems parents face identifying and finding high quality childcare. This echoes what parents tell us and what we have told the government. “Extending the Pupil Premium to the early years is a welcome first step but must be followed up through long term investment and funding reform that ensures all providers are able to offer high quality care for our most vulnerable children. Inspections have an important role to play in driving up quality, as do schools, but a priority for the next government must be a new childcare strategy that sets out the steps needed to make sure all children can get the childcare they deserve.”