Can Early Years Settings Cope with Staff Shortages During Childcare Expansion?

Summary: Early years settings in the UK face a significant staffing crisis just as the government plans to expand funded childcare. A recent survey by the Early Years Alliance reveals that more than three-quarters of these settings struggle to recruit qualified staff, with many reporting increased staff turnover and a reliance on agency workers. This article delves into the current challenges, the impact on childcare provision, and the urgent need for government intervention to support the sector.

The early years sector is at a critical juncture. With the government’s plan to expand funded childcare for working parents set to roll out next month, early years settings are sounding the alarm about an escalating staffing crisis. According to a recent survey by the Early Years Alliance, a staggering 80% of early years providers are struggling to recruit qualified staff. This article explores the root causes of this staffing shortage, its impact on childcare services, and the potential solutions needed to ensure the sector can meet the growing demand for childcare.

I. The Scope of the Staffing Crisis

In a survey conducted between 10th and 19th July 2024, the Early Years Alliance received responses from 889 early years settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders. The results were alarming:

• 69% of respondents cited a lack of applicants for roles.
• 65% reported that applicants lacked relevant qualifications.
• 50% were unable to meet the salary demands of potential staff.
• 42% found applicants lacked practical experience.

The survey highlights that half of the respondents had to turn children away due to insufficient staff, and nearly 40% had to reduce or restrict their opening hours. Additionally, 50% of settings experienced a significant increase in staff turnover compared to two years ago, with over a third of respondents considering leaving the sector altogether.

II. The Impact on Childcare Services

The staffing shortages are not just statistics; they have real, tangible impacts on childcare services across the UK. Many settings have had to limit the number of children they can care for, which directly affects working parents who rely on these services. With the government’s expansion of funded childcare to include 15 hours for children aged nine months and older, the demand for early years provision is set to increase. However, without adequate staffing, meeting this demand becomes an insurmountable challenge.

III. Reliance on Agency Staff

The survey also revealed an increasing reliance on bank and agency staff, with 72% of respondents using these temporary measures more frequently than two years ago. While agency staff can provide short-term relief, they are not a sustainable solution to the underlying staffing issues. The reliance on temporary workers can also disrupt the consistency and quality of care, which is crucial for young children’s development.

IV. Government Intervention: A Call to Action

In response to the crisis, the Early Years Alliance is calling on the government to take immediate action. Key recommendations include:

• Developing a comprehensive workforce plan with defined salary ranges for each role level in the sector.
• Ensuring that early entitlement funding is sufficient to meet these salary expectations.
• Recognising early years education as a profession, with clear career pathways and funded training opportunities.
• Increasing awareness of recruitment campaigns and incentives, such as the £1,000 bonus payments for new recruits in certain areas.

V. The Role of Pay and Recognition

A significant portion of respondents indicated that feeling more valued by the government (82%), better pay (80%), and improved benefits (53%) such as sick pay would encourage them to stay in the sector. These findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift in how early years professionals are perceived and compensated. Proper recognition and adequate pay are not just nice-to-have; they are essential for attracting and retaining skilled staff.

VI. Looking Ahead: Ensuring Sustainable Childcare Provision

As the government prepares to roll out the next phase of its childcare expansion, the urgency of addressing the staffing crisis cannot be overstated. Without a robust workforce, the promise of expanded childcare access rings hollow. It is imperative that the government acts swiftly to support early years settings, ensuring they have the resources and staff needed to provide high-quality care for the youngest members of our society.

The early years sector is facing an unprecedented staffing crisis, exacerbated by the impending expansion of funded childcare. The survey by the Early Years Alliance paints a bleak picture of recruitment challenges, increased staff turnover, and reliance on temporary workers. The government must act urgently to develop a workforce plan that includes adequate pay, recognition, and career pathways for early years professionals. Only then can we ensure sustainable and high-quality childcare provision for families across the UK.

“It’s incredibly concerning, but sadly not at all surprising, that not only are so many settings continuing to struggle to recruit, but also, a significant proportion of experienced educators are actively considering leaving the sector.” – Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance

Discover how you can support early years settings and ensure quality childcare for all. Join the conversation and advocate for better funding and recognition for early years professionals today.