CYP Now - Eight in 10 early years settings struggling with staff retention, survey finds

More than eight in 10 nurseries, pre-schools and childminders have seen an increase in the number of staff members leaving the sector compared to two years ago, a survey of the early years workforce has found.

Retention and recruitment across the early years sector has seen challenges over the past two years. Picture: Adobe Stock/ Oksana Kuzmina

The Early Years Alliance’s (EYA) survey has revealed issues in recruitment and retention in the sector, with 78% of settings struggling to recruit ahead of the rollout of phase two of the funded childcare offer, which aims to expand free entitlements for children under the age of three by September 2025.

The survey, which received 889 responses and was carried out in July, also revealed that staff from 61% of respondents’ settings have left the sector entirely over the past six months.

Half of settings said staffing shortages have had a negative impact of the quality of provision, with 50% also limiting the number of new children they can take on due to shortages.

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