THE Green Party candidate is dead right to be concerned about the early years of a child's life.

I hope one of the reports shaping the debate and action on this matter has been the one the Prime Minister asked of me on the Foundation Years: preventing poor children becoming poor adults.

This report, and subsequent research I’ve done, highlights how important it is not to get tied up with defending buildings but putting all our energy into choosing those interventions that work.

I'm very pleased to read of the Green Party’s support for my work in this area and I look forward to co-operating with them in focusing ruthlessly on what works in getting children ready for school, and in not making silly party political points.

Frank Field MP, House of Commons.