![New research suggests the extended 30 hours could be at risk without solving retention and recruit issues amid increased demand for childcare places, PHOTO: Adobe Stock](/media/3ecd0ni0/coathools3-1.jpeg?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da9cb0d6a9a470)
It comes at a time when the Government is preparing to roll-out the first phase of its expanded funded childcare, which will require an increase in places in early years settings and extra staff to meet a rise in demand.
Early years workforce must grow by 8 per cent to deliver the expansion of the 30 hours
The report, ‘Retention and return: delivering the expansion of early years entitlement in England’, reveals that two-thirds (67 per cent) of nurseries already have average wait times of almost six months for a place. It says when turnover intention rates are combined with increased demand, an estimated 50,000 additional staff would be needed in 2024 and again in 2025 to maintain existing provision and provide the expanded entitlement.
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