Nursery World - DfE introduces £1,000 sign-up bonus to encourage more people to work in the early years sector

Early years professionals joining or returning to the sector could receive a £1,000 sign on bonus under the Department for Education 's (DfE) 'Do Something Big' recruitment campaign, launched today (2 February).

New-starters and returners to the sector could receive £1,000 after securing a position in an early years setting, under a new initiative by the DfE, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

The aim of the DfE's recruitment campaign is to boost recruitment across the sector, in preparation for the extension of the funded hours, by highlighting the 'vast array' of career routes and progression opportunities available, along with the benefit of working in early years -'on the job training, flexible hours and the chance to shape and support young lives'.

The Department is also introducing a £1,000 sign-on bonus for early years staff to 'increase capacity, tackle unemployment, and offer more childcare places'.

The tax-free bonus will only be available to new-starters and 'returners' based in the 20 local authorities taking part in the trial, however (see full list below).

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included