Rising to the childcare challenge – Fox and Cubs Nanny Agency
The demand for high-quality early years education and childcare in London is rising rapidly, with an urgent need for 10,000 more recruits to fill positions in nurseries, preschools, and early education settings. As working parents seek reliable childcare, and the government expands its free nursery places scheme, the industry is feeling the pressure to recruit and retain skilled professionals.
Rising Demand for Early Years Education
📌 Government figures show a significant increase in the number of under-fives in early years education:
✅ Nearly 1.3 million three and four-year-olds are now enrolled in funded early education—up 10% since 2010.
✅ September expansion: Another 28,000 disadvantaged two-year-olds in London will receive free nursery places.
✅ New tax-free childcare bill: From Autumn 2015, 1.9 million families will receive up to £2,000 a year toward childcare costs for children under 12.
With these developments, childcare providers—including schools, private nurseries, and voluntary organisations—are struggling to keep up with demand. The result? An estimated 10,000 job openings in early years education across London.
The Struggle to Recruit and Retain Early Years Professionals
💰 Low pay remains a major issue
A report by the Pre-School Learning Alliance highlights that many professionals in early years education are underpaid and undervalued.
🔹 Early years workers earn less than cleaners and bar staff, leading to high staff turnover.
🔹 Many practitioners work unpaid extra hours due to the passion they have for their role.
🔹 A lack of recognition for the skills required in early years education is discouraging new recruits.
Jill Rutter, head of policy and research at the Family and Childcare Trust, warns that without better salaries and working conditions, the sector will continue to lose talented and experienced childcare professionals.
Raising Standards in Early Years Education
👩🏫 The call for more graduate-led early years education
There is a strong push to increase the number of graduates working with three and four-year-olds to give children the best possible start in life.
🟢 Schools are already offering competitive salaries for early years teachers, as they earn the same as other teaching staff.
🔴 However, 90% of early years provision is in the private and voluntary sector, where pay remains low.
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, argues that the government should invest in and support private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) early years settings instead of moving young children into school environments too early.
“Research shows that graduate-led early years education improves child outcomes—but this does not mean it has to take place in schools. The government must support the existing early years sector to develop a highly qualified workforce,” says Leitch.
The Future of Early Years Education in London
The demand for high-quality childcare professionals is only going to grow. To attract the best talent, the sector needs better pay, professional recognition, and government support.
At Fox and Cubs Nanny Agency, we understand the value of qualified, passionate early years professionals. Whether you’re a family looking for an experienced nanny or a childcare professional seeking career opportunities, we are here to help.
📩 Get in touch with us today to find out more!
