Thu 17 Oct 2024
The UK government’s £15 million initiative to create or expand school-based nurseries is a crucial part of meeting the growing demand for childcare. By 2025, an additional 70,000 childcare places will be required to support the expansion of government-funded childcare hours to 30 hours per week for working parents. This growth in demand will likely see a significant influx of children entering early years settings, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands more children needing places by the expansion deadline.
To meet this demand, the sector will need a larger workforce. Current estimates indicate the need for 35,000 of new early years professionals to join the workforce by 2025, as nurseries scale up to accommodate the increased capacity. For nursery owners, this highlights both an opportunity and a challenge. Staffing shortages are already a concern in the sector, and competition for qualified early years professionals is likely to intensify as schools and private nurseries expand their offerings.
Key Figures:
• Primary schools can apply for up to £150,000 in funding
• 70,000 additional childcare places are needed by September 2025.
• A significant number of new early years professionals will be required to meet demand.
The first phase of this programme focuses on underserved areas, with future phases expected to expand the initiative further. Nursery owners should start discussions with local authorities to ensure that their settings remain competitive and relevant as the sector evolves. The increasing demand for childcare services will reshape the early years landscape, making strategic planning essential for private, voluntary, and independent nurseries.
The big question is: How will your nursery adapt to these changes, and are you prepared for the staffing challenges ahead?
For more details, visit the official announcement here.