The early years and childcare sector continues to face huge challenges not least when it comes to workforce, according to Ofsted's latest annual report.
The report shows an ongoing decline in the overall number of providers with an overall loss of about 5,410 settings in 2021/22 – the largest annual decrease since 2015/16.
In 2021/22, 5,590 childminders left the sector but only 1,530 joined.
Difficulties recruiting and retaining early practitioners are a key factor. “Nurseries had problems retaining high-quality, qualified and experienced staff before the pandemic and this is getting worse,” says the report. “The early years sector is competing with, and losing out to, higher paid or more flexible employment.”
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