Alliance responds to research showing a 146.2% surge in early educator vacancies compared with pre-pandemic levels
The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment in response to research published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) showing that, in January 2024, active job vacancies for early years practitioners has increased by 146.2% on pre-pandemic levels (February 2020). Active job postings for early education and childcare assistants were up 30.2% in the same period.
Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:
"Today鈥檚 research from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation showing that active job postings for early years practitioners were up by 146.2% on pre-pandemic levels is extremely concerning, yet not at all surprising.鈥
鈥淔or years now the early years sector has had to survive on shoestring funding rates, resulting in consistently low levels of pay across the sector. Is it any wonder then that experienced educators are leaving in their droves and settings are struggling to recruit?
鈥淣ow, with less than two months until the start of the early entitlement expansion, it鈥檚 clear that it will be virtually impossible for settings to recruit enough staff to meet demand in time for the April roll out. However, had the government listened to the sector sooner, and put a long-term staffing plan in place -alongside funding levels that reflected delivery costs - it would have given settings a much better chance to prepare.
"It is absolutely critical, therefore, that the government recognises just how dire the situation has become and put in place meaningful action as soon as possible. Without this not only is the future of the sector in jeopardy but those who will benefit most from early years education are even more likely to lose out."