One in three early years staff 'considering leaving the sector'
Neil Puffett
Monday, January 18, 2021
A third of practitioners in early years settings are considering leaving the sector after their current role amid concerns over job security and low rates of pay, a major study has found.
A study by the Early Years Workforce Commission, a steering group made up of leaders from across the sector, found that existing challenges facing the sector’s workforce have been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, weakening provision that was already experiencing difficult circumstances.
A survey of practitioners from across the sector, carried out during August and September last year, found that one in three respondents (33 per cent) were thinking of leaving the sector after their current job role, with only 23 per cent of the workforce feeling that their job was safe since the Covid pandemic began.
More than 50 per cent of the early years workforce respondents said low pay was the main factor resulting in people leaving the sector, with nearly two-thirds of respondents (64 per cent) saying they have not had a pay rise in the last year. The survey also found that 44 per cent of the workforce feel their learning and development has been negatively impacted during the pandemic.
The report calls for a number of measures to be taken to address the issues facing the sector. In order to safeguard jobs and support disadvantaged areas, the commission wants government to provide additional resources for settings which are not viable on the basis of current funding rates, but are necessary in terms of sufficiency of provision.
There should also be an awareness campaign to promote careers in early years, focusing on the critical importance of early childhood education on a child’s development and life chances and the crucial role early years professionals play in supporting this.
It also calls for a shift away from the "childcare" terminology to "early childhood education", in order to position the sector as "a phase within the education journey rather than only a means of enabling parents to work".
Meanwhile, there should be an "urgent exploration and extension" of continuing professional development, with online and face-to-face options, alongside more high-quality workplace placements and action research projects, with mentoring support across the sector.
In terms of pay, the report calls for early years staff to be recognised and rewarded with a level of pay that reflects their essential role, rather than requiring "two or more jobs to make ends meet"
Julie Hyde, director at sector specialists CACHE, and member of the Early Years Workforce Commission, said: "For us, this report confirms that the sector is under enormous strain and pressure, and that urgent action is required. Safeguarding the early years sector is vital in order to reap the best future for society. It’s also imperative for the recovery of our economy from the impacts of Covid 19, as early years plays a critical role in providing childcare and support for families so that parents and carers can continue to work.
"This report’s package of recommendations are crucial to support the workforce going forward. We stand at a cross-roads within the sector and the next steps from the government will dictate how settings, early years educators and even children can thrive in a post-Covid world."
