The pressing need to increase capacity in the sector to meet parent demand for subsidised childcare places is certainly continuing to stoke debate and controversies.
Last month in our analysis we took a deep dive into the move to create more nurseries in schools and weighed whether in reality this would increase or reduce early education places.
In this issue (page 6) we explore the implications of the Government's proposals to change regulated floor space requirements.
As we get closer to September, and the culmination of the expanded entitlement, it seems the need to create more places is driving policy. But what are the implications for safety and high quality early years provision?
On page 12, Children's Minister Stephen Morgan says that the consultation on space requirements is a ‘practical’ response to providers telling him they could make better use of their outdoor space.
While this sounds positive, everything comes back to staffing and recruitment. Even with increased and flexible use of square footage, there still needs to be the necessary quota of trained staff. So we are back to the problem of how we attract and retain high-quality educators. A clear, long-term workforce strategy, that has long been called for, is still proving elusive.
There have recently been changes to qualifications which are designed to boost the workforce. To find out more about these, turn to page 45 for our annual Training Today supplement.
In this you will also find an in-depth focus on the skills and rewards of working with babies and a look at some innovative approaches to leadership.
Finally, thank you to everyone who came to the Big Day Out on 16 May – and for all the feedback we have received. Look out for more photos and coverage coming soon at nurseryworld.co.uk.
In this issue
Helen Donohoe is head of Coram PACEY. On page 13 she is interviewed about the implications of PACEY's transfer to Coram, and what it means for members in the future. She outlines how increased resources and expertise will help it to strengthen support to home-based professionals.
Stephen Morgan is Minister for Early Education and MP for Portsmouth South. On page 12, he outlines the different ways in which the Government is aiming to work with the early years sector in ‘genuine partnership’ to build a ‘new future for early years’, where every child has the best opportunities to thrive.
Kiri Hall is manager at Fennies, Ealing. In our Training Today supplement, Kiri outlines how Fennies’ Inspiring Leaders training programme develops staff. It is all about sharing insights, improving together and elevating standards. Find out more about how Fennies empowers teams on page 54.
