Mr Balls met with staff, parents and children and discussed how the framework provides the children with the best possible start in life.

Nursery manager Andrew Regan conducted a tour of the nursery along with Newham's executive member for children and young people, Councillor Quintin Peppiatt, and Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales.

Sir Robin said: "We have the youngest population in the UK and the early years foundation stage will ensure that our youngest residents receive quality early years education and childcare."

Councillor Peppiatt said: "The Fellowship House Nursery staff have completed their training in the early years foundation stage and today presented a great opportunity to see the programme in action.

"The nursery provides a high level of care and education to the children and no doubt it is this approach that attracted Ed Balls to visit."

For more information on the early years foundation stage framework visit: www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs