The team at Class carefully monitor Early Years recruitment news from our Bristol HQ to help better advise South West nursery settings.
Having been established in Clifton since 2009, we have become the leading provider of recruitment services in the Early Years sector.
We regularly update our valued clients on the impact of imminent and existing legislation that could affect nursery settings across the South West region.
Some of the key news to keep an eye on as we move through 2025 include:
Experienced-Based Route (EBR):
There will be an increased focus on addressing workforce shortages in South West-based nursery settings through the new Experience-Based Route (EBR) for Early Years practitioners.
This will allow experienced nursery staff to gain Level 3 qualifications without completing a full course, and instead focusing on practical experience assessments.
Increased NI Contribution Employment Allowance (EA):
The Government is increasing the National Insurance Contribution Employment Allowance (EA) for private nurseries across the South West from £5,000 to £10,000.
This could potentially help smaller nursery settings in the region to manage increased NI costs.
Expanded childcare support:
Starting in September of this year, childcare support is expanding to 30 hours for eligible working families from the term after their child turns nine months until they reach school age.
Ofsted inspection changes:
Ofsted has announced changes to the inspection of nursery settings from September 2025, to replace the overall effectiveness grade with a new report card.
Government recruitment campaign:
The Department of Education has launched a national recruitment campaign this year to attract more staff to the South West Early Years sector.
Visit here to find out more about the 'Do Something Big' initiative.
To keep your nursery up-to-date with the latest Early Years recruitment news across the South West, visit here.
Nursery settings across the South West are looking for candidates at all levels. You can get in touch with us here.