Research and analysis

The early years workforce: recruitment, retention, and business planning

Research into the early years workforce in England, with a focus on recruitment, retention and business planning.

Applies to England

Documents

The early years workforce: recruitment, retention, and business planning

Details

This report uses data from the 2021 survey of childcare and early years providers and qualitative interviews with early years providers to examine and explore:

  • the size and demographic composition of the early years’ workforce
  • staff qualifications, hourly pay and weekly hours
  • factors associated with recruitment and retention in early years settings
  • providers’ decision-making regarding staff costs and business models
  • issues faced by the early years sector arising from coronavirus (COVID-19) and the pandemic

Early years recruitment, retention and business planning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: a summary of findings is also available.

Published 28 April 2022