NEU comments on EPI report on Childcare Workers

Commenting on new research from the Education Policy Institute, analysing the childcare workforce in England, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

“Last October, Early Years Minister Nadhim Zahawi recognised that early years education is ‘critical to shaping a child’s success.’

“The EPI’s report points out the gap between rhetoric and reality: by allowing a situation in which poor training opportunities and low wage levels are the norm, Government neglect is profoundly damaging children’s chances of success. 

“The EPI has done parents, children and the entire early years sector a great service: it has brought to light issues which the Chief Inspector of Ofsted, in her 2018 report, did not discuss at all. Policy-makers should pay attention.”