Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Early years pupil premium remains significantly lower than primary and secondary rates
Conclusion
Despite the recognised value, in 2024–25 the maximum pupil premium annual rate per pupil in the early years (age 3–4) was £388, compared to £1,480 for primary school pupils and £1,050 for those at secondary school. The Department has not done any analysis to explain these funding differences.44 However, it told us it had increased the early years premium for 2025–26 by 45%, to £570, reflecting the very strong evidence base.45 The Department acknowledged that this remained significantly lower than the primary school rate, but explained not wanting to increase the rate too quickly which could create instability in the funding system by taking money away from other areas.46 The Department felt it had gone as far as it could, but committed to keeping the balance of funding under review, stressing the importance of matching increases in funding with the developing evidence base. Currently the evidence base for early years funding is still developing compared to that for primary and secondary school interventions.47
Government Response Summary
The government announced a 45% uplift to the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), increasing it to £570 per eligible child per year and published guidance to support local authorities in ensuring spend is used effectively, and will work with EEF to monitor the impact of the EYPP uplift and explore barriers to take up.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2026 3.2 The Family Hubs and Start for Life programme will continue to evaluate the rollout of their services overall alongside the delivery of individual elements. Evaluations will continue to be commissioned and led by independent evaluation teams. 3.3 In December 2024 the department announced a 45% uplift to the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), increasing the amount of EYPP to up to £570 per eligible child per year – additional support for the most disadvantaged children. The department is keen to ensure that EYPP spend is used effectively by providers to improve children’s outcomes. To this end the department has published guidance, for the first time, to support local authorities in ensuring spend is used effectively. The department has also worked with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to support the development and launch of practical, evidence-informed advice for early years setting leaders on maximising the use of EYPP in their context - Early Years Pupil Premium | EEF. 3.4 To expand the evidence base on EYPP the department will work with EEF to monitor the impact of the EYPP uplift who will commission an independent, comprehensive mixed- methods impact and process evaluation to explore the potential mechanisms linking EYPP uplift and supporting improved outcomes for disadvantaged children. 3.5 The department is, in parallel, engaging with a number of local authorities to explore barriers to take up.