The early years sector has been an essential lifeline for families and children throughout the pandemic. The full or partial closure of nurseries and other settings caused extensive disruption to parents who depend on care and education for pre-school children.
Between November 2020 and February 2021, we interviewed 107 early years professionals. They spoke emotively about the skill, value and pride they took in their work, even more so through the pandemic, when services to support children and families were lacking or entirely absent.
Those working in the sector combine a vital and unique mix of care and educational skills. This is critical for child development and levelling life chances. This work is also foundational to the economy. Working parents struggled with the multiple demands of paid work, home-schooling, care and developmental needs of younger children. Employers also have been forced to acknowledge the essential support provided by childcare providers and teachers.
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