Executive summary excerpt
In the 2023 Spring Budget the Chancellor announced a significant expansion in early years
funding. The announcement focused on the funding of this expansion, but little was said about
the workforce who would deliver it. This research combines new modelling focused on the
additional demand likely to be generated by the expansion, with the working conditions and
experiences of those currently working in the sector and those who have recently left. The
research team gathered nearly 1,000 surveys and 60 participants in interviews and focus groups.
It aims to better understand the conditions of the current early years workforce, the implications
of the extended entitlement and what is needed to ensure any expansion of access can be
successful, while ensuring the high-quality places that children deserve.