LGA responds to EPI report on early yers workforce

“This report echoes our concerns that the recruitment and retention of suitably qualified childcare practitioners is becoming increasingly difficult largely due to low wages and poor career progression.

“It is good that the Government will provide an extra £1 billion in funding to expand childcare but investment in existing childcare entitlements is also needed. As providers struggle to make ends meet, there is growing concern about the quality of provision and access for disadvantaged children and those with special needs.

“The Government needs to use the upcoming Budget to ensure there is enough money to both expand and maintain high quality childcare provision, while measures must be put in place to recruit and train an appropriately skilled workforce.”