Nursery World - Time is running out to grow the workforce to accommodate the expanded hours, warns nursery group

YMCA, the largest voluntary childcare provider in the country, has warned that time is running out to establish the size of the workforce needed to deliver the expansion of the funded hours.

YMCA, which operates settings across the country, has highlighted its concerns surrounding having enough staff to deliver the 30 hours expansion, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Within its latest report, published last month, which sets out what it believes the challenges to be in meeting the 30 hours’ expansion, the charity warns in 20 months’ time, the full rollout of the 30 hours expansion is due, while it takes 18 months for learners to achieve the necessary Level 3 early years qualifications.

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YMCA estimates that the workforce needs to grow by 13.2 per cent (45,000) by next September to accommodate the extended policy.

Earlier estimates, published by the Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) in November, suggest 50,000 additional staff will be needed this year and again next year to maintain existing provision and provide the expanded entitlement.

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