Today, the Chancellor emphasised the need for growth. Of course, we support the growth of our economy; this is how opportunity will be ensured for the next generation, and the engine by which greater equality can be achieved.  

However, sustainable economic growth must begin with increased support for young people so they can engage with the education system and develop—regardless of the obstacles in their lives—the skills to thrive in work and life, from early childhood to adulthood.  

In our recent open letter we made three targeted asks of the Chancellor, all measures that would close the gap between poorer and wealthier pupils, which stands at its highest point in a decade. Unfortunately, we find ourselves reiterating these asks today:  

• Bolster school funding so those funding streams meant to mitigate the impacts of poverty can better meet rising need and increased costs, including by extending eligibility for Free School Meals and restoring real-terms funding to the Pupil Premium.  

• Introduce 30 hours of funded early years education for all three and four-year-old children, regardless of parental education or employment status.  Whilst today’s announcement of additional investment in rates paid to early years settings will help their sustainability, it won’t support the development of children most in need of support before they start school.   

• Continue to invest in high-quality 1–1 and small-group tuition for the pupils who most need it, as urged last month by a cross-party group of MPs. 

We welcome the Government’s commitments to provide support for low-income households, such as the continuation of the Household Support Fund, the increase in the repayment period for emergency budgeting loans, and the removal of fees for Debt Relief Orders. We also welcome support for pupils with special educational needs, although we need a much more comprehensive strategy and investment than the 15 new free special schools announced.  

We’re disappointed that no measures were introduced to address the root causes of the disadvantage gap in education, as our Fair Education Manifesto describes. The budget was silent on any support for the early intervention services that children desperately need, instead allowing issues and barriers to grow in seriousness and cost. That’s why we’ve joined our member National Children’s Bureau in their Children at the Table campaign, calling for the rebuilding of children’s services and action to alleviate child poverty, starting now. You can read the campaign’s statement here. 

Our children and young people will power the economy of tomorrow; we urge the Government to invest in their futures now.