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By Rachel Lawler

The early years sector faces “increasing recruitment and retention problems” according to a on the early years workforce.

 

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) released the report, titled The early years workforce: A fragmented picture, today. The report states that staff turnover rates have increased to 14% for group-based providers, 8% for school-based settings and 9% for reception staff.

 

It also estimated that the average hourly pay of an early years practitioner is £8.30.

 

The report highlighted some positive developments for the sector, noting the introduction of the National Living Wage and Minimum Living Wage, which have increased pay for many employees.

 

However, the EPI said that some “negative trends are continuing or emerging”. It said that pay continues to be lower than in other sectors, and lower in PVI than at school-based settings.  It also noted that the early years workforce “still suffers from low status in society and within the education system itself”.

 

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Alliance, said: “While the publication of the government’s Workforce Strategy was a welcome first step towards improving the status of the sector and helping providers to attract, retain and support the career progression of early years practitioners, it’s clear that much more needs to be done to prevent a sector-wide recruitment crisis.

 

“This is particularly true in the PVI sector where, as the report notes, the gap between senior and non-senior staff pay tends to be much smaller than in maintained settings. Is it any wonder that more and more practitioners are seeking career opportunities outside the sector?”

 

Neil added: “If the government wants to ensure accessible, quality early care and education for all children, it needs to ensure that we have a well-qualified professional workforce to deliver this – this means investing in the sector and ensuring that childcare is, and remains, a viable career choice.”