Government to address nursery staff shortages before expanding childcare services
The UK government is grappling with the challenge of nursery staff shortages as well as the need for improved training, support and progression for early years staff as it prepares to expand funded childcare services.
In a move aimed at addressing the critical issue of nursery staff shortages, the UK government has announced that primary schools can now apply for a share of £15 million in capital funding to deliver up to 300 new or expanded nurseries in England. This initiative comes as the government prepares to expand funded childcare services, from 15 hours of funded childcare for working parents of children older than nine months to 30 hours per week by September 2025.
What impact will the increase in government funded hours have?
The expansion of funded childcare was introduced by the Conservative government and began rolling out in April 2024. However, charities and experts have warned that key issues remain unresolved, including staffing shortages and unclear funding rates for providers.
The Department for Education (DfE) has projected that around 70,000 additional places and 35,000 early years staff will be needed to meet the demand for 30 funded hours by September 2025.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized her commitment to addressing these challenges. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she acknowledged that the training, support, and progression for early years staff are “not right” and vowed to take action to improve retention and recruitment.
The DfE has also announced plans to engage with local authorities and providers to clarify statutory guidance on charging, including top-up fees, to protect parents from being overcharged.
How will this affect parents of pre-school age children?
The potential impact of these shortages is significant. Charities have warned that unless addressed now, many parents will be left disappointed when the new offer rolls out in September 2025. Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, has expressed concerns about the sector's ability to meet the increased demand without adequate funding and a comprehensive workforce strategy.
Labour has also criticised the Conservative government's handling of childcare expansion, stating that families are paying the price for a "disastrous failure" in delivering commitments.
What plans are in place to address nursery staff shortages?
The UK government's efforts to address nursery staff shortages are crucial for ensuring the success of its funded childcare expansion. By investing in training and support for early years staff and providing additional funding for new or expanded nurseries (up to £150,000 per primary school), the government aims to improve the retention and recruitment of essential childcare professionals.
While challenges remain, the initiative signals a commitment to supporting working families and enhancing early childhood education in England.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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