Schools minister Nick Gibb will be taking on early education policy and childcare, the Department for Education announced today.

It was also confirmed that Michelle Donelan will be taking on the role of children and families’ minister while Kemi Badenoch is on maternity leave.

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Mr Gibb, as minister of state for schools and standards, will be in charge of policy relating to childcare funding and support for the early years workforce, as well as the early years curriculum and education entitlements.

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And he will also take on responsibility for the pupil premium, as well as PE and school sport, alongside his existing portfolio.

Beatrice Merrick, chief executive of early years charity Early Education, said: “Nick Gibb taking on the early years portfolio in addition to schools is an opportunity to look holistically at education from birth to 18.

“We look forward to working with him and sharing the research evidence that underpins the Early Years Foundation Stage, so that, as a champion of research-informed policy, he can ensure the proposed reforms to the EYFS are truly evidence-based.

“We hope he’ll also look at closing the funding gap between early years provision and schools to ensure a high-quality, sustainable sector that can deliver for all children, especially the most disadvantaged.”