It was good to catch-up with early years providers from St Helens Borough to thank them for their vital work during this pandemic and discuss the sector’s top priorities & challenges.

As both the local MP & the parent of two young children, I know the value of services offered by early years providers in St Helens – such as our nurseries – can’t be understated. But for too long the Government has failed to prioritise them, letting down young children’s education, growth and development.

With the virus and financial pressures posing a threat to nurseries locally and nationally, Ministers must swiftly act to support them properly.