Funding and pay come first in reform

Significant investment and the resolution of outstanding issues around funding, pay and conditions of service must underpin reform of the early years workforce, according to the Children's Workforce Development Council. In its response to the DfES consultation on the Children's Workforce Strategy, the council welcomed the proposed Local Transformation Fund but insisted it should be 'clearly designated and only invested in workforce reform at local level'. It should be used to resource activities set out in the Children and Young People's Plan, and the DfES and local authorities 'should put in place mechanisms to ensure that this happens'.