At an evidence session of the Commons education committee this week, childcare experts and providers told MPs about the recruitment and retention challenges facing the early years sector, and the barriers experienced by those wishing to join the workforce.
Julian Grenier, head teacher at Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre in east London, said a "lack of understanding of the emotional and intellectual demands of the job" among the wider public means that many young people are not prepared for the "enormous pressures" that come with the role.
Celia Greenway, professor of education and early years and child development lead at the University of Birmingham, said that careers advice provided to young people in schools fails to prepare future early years practitioners for these challenges.
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