Part of 2. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:08 pm on 11 October 2016.
There is evidence, of course, that children who fall behind in the early years, particularly in terms of cognitive development, are more likely to struggle later in life in terms of lifetime opportunities. There is now evidence showing that having degree-level practitioners in the early years context is of great assistance in ensuring that that doesn’t happen. Now, your Government, of course, will, in the spring, publish the early years workforce plan, which, hopefully, will give workers in that sector the necessary skills. Will that plan include a clear commitment to ensure that practitioners in the sector are at degree level, particularly those working with children living in poverty?