WHY HAS THE COMMISSION BEEN SET UP?
In late 2018, NCFE organised a roundtable discussion, bringing together policy-makers and early years organisations, some independent of, and some ‘representing’, the sector. It became clear that while problems facing the sector were well-established, the next steps would require more extensive work and a broader range of voices.
The commission’s steering committee has considered which areas to tackle and believes the roundtable highlighted that many of the challenges can be traced back to limitations on the workforce. While these are just one part of the puzzle, we believe that an effective workforce strategy is crucial to underpin the long-term sustainability of the sector and quality of provision.
Against a backdrop of wider funding and other well-documented challenges, the overarching goal of the commission is to ensure that the importance of the early years sector is recognised and that it offers a rewarding and attractive career path.
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE SCOPE OF THE COMMISSION’S WORK.
We needed to develop evidence-led solutions. The commission will undertake a review of the workforce challenges and develop comprehensive and workable solutions. We will be examining two main areas: training and CPD, and recruitment and retention.
In 2012, Foundations for Quality was published, highlighting the need for a well-qualified, properly remunerated workforce. This work addresses both training and CPD, and recruitment and retention, so the commission will consider progress made. The commission aims to publish its recommendations later this year.
HOW CAN EARLY YEARS SETTINGS AND PRACTITIONERS CONTRIBUTE?
The commission wants to engage a broad range of organisations and experts, as well as providers, practitioners, parents and the public.
The commission will hold two evidence sessions, one focusing on recruitment and retention, and another on training and CPD, as well as a broader call for evidence.
We are encouraging early years staff members, managers, owners, early years researchers and sector organisations to get involved and share their experiences.
Further details about how people can share their views will be released in the coming weeks, including the key questions being considered. The key findings and data will shape the approach and the report’s final recommendations.
To be added to our mailing list, and to enquire about contributing, get in touch at eywc@plmr.co.uk. We will be accepting written evidence from the sector, and inviting organisations to attend evidence sessions in due course, and more details for this will follow on Twitter, @EYWC2020.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
Ultimately, the steering group’s hope is that this commission’s work will take us closer to offering a service that provides the best possible outcomes for our children, while ensuring the workforce feels valued.
We want to give the workforce the tools to provide children the best possible start in life. We think this is the key to boost the sustainability and quality of early years provision.
EYWC steering group members are: Julie Hyde, CACHE; Jo Verrill, Ceeda; Beatrice Merrick, Early Education; Neil Leitch, Early Years Alliance; Sara Bonetti, Education Policy Institute; June O'Sullivan, London Early Years Foundation; Purnima Tanuku, NDNA; Liz Bayram, PACEY; Laura Barbour, Sutton Trust; Nancy Stewart, TACTYC; Deborah Lawson, Voice.