The management team at Class Recruit came across an interesting report recently discussing skills and retention issues in Early Years recruitment across the South West.
The report highlighted that the Early Years skills gap has increased by more than 2% since 2017.
This in turn is putting huge additional pressures on nursery setting managers' workloads across Bristol, Bath, Somerset and the region in general.
The report from NCFE reveals that in 2022 there were 4,000 more job postings within the Early Years and childcare sector than in 2017.
An ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in many Early Years settings across the South West means that high turnover of nursery staff leads to more instability.
Nursery staff are not staying and this in turn is leading to additional pressure on existing leadership and management members in Early Years settings.
We have seen a number of more experienced nursery staff leave the Early Years sector during 2023 across the South West.
As a leading Bristol-based Early Years recruitment agency covering all parts of the South West, we believe three areas need attention to improve matters.
Qualifications & training
Ensuring that there are accessible and high-quality routes into the Early Years sector across the South West is critical, to reduce the current skills gap.
Career progression
The experienced nursery staff leaving the sector is forcing younger individuals to assume these positions with less experience. Industry knowledge needs to be retained by presenting clearer career progression opportunities.
Respect the sector
We believe that Early Years staff at all levels make a significant contribution to society. This is not discussed or highlighted enough: the sector is scrutinised for the cost for working parents rather than the essential educational role.
If you're a nursery setting manager or a childcare business looking for exceptional staff, please read these testimonials from some of our lovely Early Years clients.
Read this to find out what you should expect from our team of experienced Early Years recruitment consultants.
We also recommend that you read this recent case study from a Bristol-based nursery setting, outlining why they have worked with us for the last 16 years to meet all of their nursery staff requirements.
We are always available to have an informal chat with Early Years settings and nurseries across the South West, and can be reached on 0117 930 4000 or by visiting here.