LABOUR'S shadow minister for early years has visited Keighley.

Helen Hayes was given a tour of Strong Close Nursery School.

She was accompanied by Keighley's Labour parliamentary candidate, John Grogan.

They were shown around by headteacher Helen Jones.

Also present were NHS health visitors who visit early-years children in their homes.

Mr Grogan says: "The standards at Strong Close are very high, as reflected in its recent 'outstanding' Ofsted report.

"In recent years one of the key achievements at Strong Close has been to encourage the language and social development of youngsters whose very early life was spent in periods of lockdown."

During the visit, Ms Hayes discussed Labour plans following the next election to carry out a major review of early years provision, including examining ways to widen childcare eligibility.

She said: "Our childcare system must be about life chances for children, as well as work choices for parents.

"That is why I am determined that new investment in childcare comes with ambitious reform, to ensure early education is available in every corner of our country for every family and child, to drive up standards for our youngest children and for the amazing people who support and teach them."