From this week, all working parents in England are entitled to an additional 15 free hours of childcare, on top of the current universal 15 hours. While the ambition has been widely welcomed, there is growing concern from providers and parents alike that this popular policy will be hindered by practical constraints.
Many employers will have to recruit more staff to fulfil the increasing demand, yet how is a sector which is already struggling to recruit people going to meet this skills gap in time? Strengthening early years apprenticeship provision could be a key part of the solution.
The newly reinvigorated apprenticeship system is a significant opportunity to build up the early years workforce and - to help to realise the ambition for a highly trained and competent practitioners who are confident and motivated. Larger employers will pay a levy and will be able to draw down funds whilst SMEs will also benefit from being able to employ staff and pay for just 10 per cent of their training themselves with Government co-investing the rest.
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