TORY childcare reforms could widen the attainment gap between poorer children and their well-off peers before they even start school, a social mobility charity warned today.

The quality of education for all young children could worsen and inequalities may be exacerbated under the expanded childcare offer for working parents which will start being phased in from April, the Sutton Trust has said.

The charity is calling on politicians to commit to a core education entitlement of at least 20 hours per week for all children aged two to four irrespective of their family’s working status or income.