Research points constantly to the link between good early years provision and positive, capable and enthusiastic practitioners. Children respond better when offered continuity of care, and parents and carers value consistency of provision for their children.
Yet over the past three years, the early years sector has experienced an ever-deepening recruitment and retention crisis that has threatened the quality and continuity of care that young children need. The situation is likely to worsen. Childcare providers will, therefore, have to think more creatively about how to recruit and retain staff in the future.
Current situation
The number of childcare places has almost doubled in recent years and the number of nurseries has risen from 5,500 in 1998 to 9,964, according to the 2002/2003 Childcare and Early Years Workforce Survey - Day Nurseries and other Full-day Care Provision, published by the Sure Start Unitin May this year.
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