The childcare crisis is, in part, a workforce crisis. That’s why we need to listen closely to voices within the sector when they tell us about what works and what doesn’t. Timewise’s new findings are an excellent example; they found a staggering 18,000 childcare workers could be recruited if the sector embraced more flexible and part-time roles.
Despite this yearning for flexibility, much of the government’s recruitment efforts so far have focused on nurseries. As vital as they are, nurseries are more rigid by nature, with staff needing to be on-site with set hours. Many potential recruits – especially parents – will be put off by a rigid role in a remote-working world. Childminders, on the other hand, can set their own hours and work from home. Their flexibility also means they, in turn, can offer flexible care for the children of the modern workforce.
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