CYP Now - What does positive change look like in the early years?

With the recent arrival of a new government, many of us in the childcare sector felt hopeful that change would be coming. But what is this change we talk about? What does it look like for workers, children and families alike?

Sector leaders have criticised the government's response. Picture: Adobe Stock

Nurseries in deprived areas are most likely to close, experts say - Adobe Stock

Many recent studies have shown that England and Wales offer some of the most exceptional early years services in the world. 96% of early years settings that are inspected are either a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, and yet our sector is in crisis and has been for many years.

A recent Early Education and Childcare Commission report stated that up to 57% of professionals were thinking of leaving the profession. In England and Wales, 144 nurseries closed in the 2021/22 academic year and 214 in the 22/3 academic year according to research by the National Day Nurseries Association.

Rising costs, including increases to the National Minimum Wage, food and utilities continue to impact on the day-to-day running costs of most nurseries, at least 80% of whom are single owner operators. Passing these costs onto already struggling families isn’t a viable option in the long run.

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