Early Years staff investment promised by DfE

Incoming Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference has drawn interest from the childcare sector. Perhaps due to his previous role as childcare minister, he made specific mention of the importance of early years, and the work of childcare staff. This is arguably a departure from some previous Education Secretaries who have been accused by the sector of leaving them as an afterthought.

The context of Mr Zahawi’s remarks was the government’s planned investment in teaching staff, both in preschool and later years education. He promised investment of £180 million in training and education. This is intended to dovetail with the government’s wider strategy to ensure jobs are filled across the board as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the minister also emphasised the centrality of children in the plans, particularly noting the need for catching up after the disruptions of the past year.

Bringing more people into the childcare workforce has been the aim of the government for a long time. It is now almost five years since the last Workforce Strategy was published and most in the sector agree that there is little to show for it. Ultimately, while training and development is important, many believe that ensuring careers in childcare are well compensated and offer the prospect of progression, is the solution that is truly needed.