FAMLY - PROMOTION
Unveiling the crisis: where are all the early years educators?
The team at collaborative early childhood platform Famly explore and explain the issue of recruitment and retention within the early years sector
At Famly, we are passionate about early years education and the incredible professionals dedicated to nurturing young minds. It really does take a village! That's why we’re taking the time to shine a spotlight on a pressing issue facing the sector: where are all the early years educators?
Despite their invaluable contributions, educators are facing challenges such as poor pay and a lack of respect from the government, leading to a retention and recruitment crisis that demands our attention. This affects not only professionals within the sector, but also the quality of care and education available to young children.
The situation has been made more complicated by recent changes in government funding for the early years, such as the early entitlement expansion, alongside a significant shortage of educators to meet increasing demand.
“Famly’s documentary, which premieres in June over on bit.ly/Famly-YT, has been a labour of love”
Through this documentary, we aim to amplify the voices of educators and experts in the sector, shedding light on the root causes of the staffing crisis. By sharing their stories and insights, we hope to inspire action and drive positive change within the sector.
Here, we'll provide a glimpse into the insights we've gathered through our research and discussions with experts during the documentary production. We hope to spark your curiosity before you check out the documentary.
Understanding the crisis
The shortage of early years educators is more than just a statistic – it's a profound challenge that impacts the quality of care and education for young children. From inadequate pay to a lack of recognition alongside issues surrounding choosing the early years sector as a career path, educators are grappling with problems that undermine their passion and dedication to the profession.
In October 2021, the Alliance initiated a comprehensive survey focusing on staff recruitment and retention within England's early years sector that explains the effects of the crisis. Gathering insights from 1,395 participants across nurseries, pre-schools, and select childminding establishments, the survey unearthed some compelling findings:
- More than eight in 10 settings are grappling with challenges in staff recruitment.
- Approximately half of the surveyed establishments have been compelled to impose limitations on new enrolments, or halt admissions altogether, within the six months leading up to the survey.
- Over a third of respondents are actively contemplating exiting the sector.
- Alarmingly, one in six establishments harbour concerns that ongoing staffing shortages may prompt permanent closures within the next year.
In the documentary, we take viewers on a journey through the evolution of early years qualifications, highlighting the strides made in professionalisation and training. Yet, despite these advancements, recruitment challenges persist, fuelled by misconceptions and systemic barriers.
Through in-depth interviews and research, we uncover the complex factors contributing to the shortage of educators and explore potential solutions for addressing workforce challenges.
Addressing misconceptions
Misconceptions about early years education perpetuate stereotypes and hinder recruitment efforts. Through initiatives like our Respect the Sector report, we challenge these narratives and advocate for greater recognition and appreciation of early years educators. By elevating the status of the profession, we can attract a diverse range of talent and ensure a bright future for the sector.
Early years expert Cathy Nutbrown explains the perception issues faced by the sector and how it contributes to the staffing crisis: “Too often, the early years sector is seen as low-skilled and low-status, which has a direct impact on who wants to enrol on courses.
“I have heard dozens of examples of people being told to study childcare because they lacked the qualifications to enrol on other courses, or because it was the only course with places available. Almost universally this happens to women. And this doesn’t apply just to 16-18-year-olds: I’ve heard other examples of adults being encouraged into childcare as a career by the local job centre, despite having no previous experience or present inclination.”
Nutbrown Review, 2012
The impact of funding
Government funding plays a pivotal role in supporting the early years sector, yet chronic underfunding has slowed down efforts to attract and retain qualified staff.
The prospect of ‘30 hours of funded childcare for every child over the age of 9 months’ may seem like a beacon of hope for numerous parents. Yet, the reality is far from simple. Numerous settings find themselves wrestling with underfunding, creating hurdles in delivering quality care and education while also meeting payroll. And, with expenses on the rise, certain nurseries are finding themselves unable to deliver the funded hours without jeopardising quality. Consequently, both parents and managers are confronted with uncertainties surrounding application procedures, capacity management, and confidence in governmental programs.
Given the recent updates in childcare funding from the government, settings across the UK may soon face the challenge of accommodating an additional half a million children, requiring an estimated 27,000 additional staff. Yet, amid the current crisis, meeting these demands appears increasingly improbable.
Research from Nordic countries offers valuable insights into best practices for early years education – including high standards for adult qualifications and low child-to-staff ratios. By examining successful practices in early years education from other countries, we can identify potential solutions that are adaptable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the UK early years sector.
Future solutions
As we look to the future, our focus is on fostering positive change within the early years sector.
We hope – through our documentary, alongside continued conversations and collaboration with both the government and experts within the sector – to promote a deeper understanding of the vital role played by educators in the early years. The aim here is to shift perceptions of early years educators so that they’re seen as skilled experts educating the next generation, and not just caretakers.
Additionally, by advocating for improved pay, enhanced training opportunities, and recognition of their invaluable contributions, we hope to encourage an increased interest in, and appreciation of, the sector.
The documentary, released in June, will be available here: bit.ly/Famly-Y.