A new documentary by Famly, titled “Where are all the early years educators?”, delves into the pressing recruitment and retention crisis in the early years education sector.
The film features insightful interviews with parents, sector professionals, and key figures such as safeguarding trainer Rachel Buckler and NCFE’s Janet King. Highlighting the Department for Education’s estimate that an additional 40,000 staff are needed, the documentary aims to raise awareness and provoke action ahead of the upcoming general election. Director of Brand and Comms Matt Arnerich urges viewers to share the documentary with future MPs to prioritise workforce strategies in early years education.
The early years education sector is grappling with a severe staffing crisis, and a new documentary by Famly brings this issue to the forefront. Titled “Where are all the early years educators?”, the film aims to shed light on the recruitment and retention challenges that have plagued the sector for years. With interviews from a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents, nursery owners, and industry experts, the documentary provides a comprehensive look at the current state of early years education and the urgent need for reform.
The Department for Education has estimated that an additional 40,000 staff are required to support the expanded offer in early years education. This staggering figure underscores the scale of the crisis and the critical need for a robust workforce strategy. The documentary not only highlights these numbers but also puts a human face to the issue, featuring stories and perspectives from those directly impacted.
The Big Debate: Is the Experience-Based Route a Good Idea?
One of the central themes explored in the documentary is the debate over the experience-based route to staffing. As the sector struggles to attract and retain qualified educators, some propose that experience should be a more significant factor in hiring decisions. This approach could potentially broaden the pool of candidates and provide opportunities for those with practical, hands-on experience in early years education. However, it also raises concerns about the consistency and quality of education, as formal qualifications are traditionally seen as a benchmark for competency.
Interviews with Key Figures
The documentary features interviews with several notable figures in the sector. Safeguarding trainer Rachel Buckler shares her insights on the importance of safeguarding training and its role in ensuring the well-being of children. Janet King, NCFE’s sector manager for education and childcare, discusses the challenges of maintaining high standards amidst staffing shortages. Nursery owners and directors provide a ground-level view of the crisis, describing the daily struggles of running their establishments with insufficient staff.
The Call for Change
Matt Arnerich, Director of Brand and Comms at Famly, passionately calls for a change in how educators are treated. He emphasises that addressing the staffing crisis is not just about expanding entitlements for parents but ensuring that there is a capable and well-supported workforce to deliver quality education. Arnerich’s message is clear: without significant changes, the sector cannot sustain itself, and the consequences will be felt by children, parents, and educators alike.
The Role of Government
The documentary’s release is strategically timed ahead of the general election, with the hope that it will influence political discourse and policymaking. Famly urges those in the sector to share the documentary with their future MPs, making workforce issues a clear focus for the next government. The film aims to not only inform but also mobilise stakeholders to advocate for meaningful policy changes that will address the root causes of the staffing crisis.
Production and Impact
“Where are all the early years educators?” was produced in-house at Famly, with Early Education Editor Julia Rose leading the writing. Videographer Lauren Owens, along with Miguel Bisbal and Mayfield Ngondonga, handled filming, production, and editing. The documentary is available on the Famly website and YouTube, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The documentary’s impact lies in its ability to convey the urgency of the staffing crisis through personal stories and expert insights. By highlighting the voices of those directly affected, it humanises the statistics and brings a sense of immediacy to the issue. The hope is that this film will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting both public and political action.
The early years education sector is at a critical juncture, with a severe staffing crisis threatening its future. Famly’s new documentary, “Where are all the early years educators?”, provides a thorough examination of this issue, featuring interviews with key stakeholders and highlighting the need for a robust workforce strategy. As the general election approaches, the documentary calls on viewers to share its message with future MPs, advocating for prioritisation of staffing issues in early years education. With a combination of expert insights and personal stories, the film aims to drive meaningful change in the sector.
Featured Quote
“Keir Starmer is right that it’s time for change – time for a change to the way our educators are treated, if we have any hope of having any left.”
– Matt Arnerich, Director of Brand and Comms at Famly
Share the documentary “Where are all the early years educators?” with your local MP and advocate for a focus on early years staffing in the upcoming general election. Visit the Famly website or YouTube to watch the film and join the conversation.
