According to a 2017 TUC report, since 2008, the cost of Early Years care provision has rocketed. In some parts of the country, costs have risen at seven times the rate of wages. The 2018 Save the Children A Fair Start publication reports that the subsequent squeeze on Early Years providers and depletion of qualified staff has left 325,000 children at risk of not fulfilling their potential. Nursery closures across England have risen by 66% since the government’s 30 hours ‘free’ childcare policy was introduced one year ago. Some 121 nurseries have closed in that time, representing 5,000 children and families and hundreds of qualified staff.

The government has however, increased Early Years spending to £5.77 billion for the first time in three years through the extension of free childcare allowance from 15 to 30 hours for three and four year olds. In the longer term, the December 2016 Early Years National Funding Formula will go into full effect by 2019/20.

To upskill the Early Years workforce, The Department for Education (DfE) released the 2017 Early Years Workforce Strategy that emphasises child safety, joint-working with parents and inclusive practice for children with SEN. More specifically £20 million has been earmarked for training and professional development for staff working in disadvantaged areas to support children’s early speech and language development. Most recently in September 2018, a School Nurseries Capital Fund of £30 million has been announced to invite leading schools to come forward with projects to create new high-quality nursery places for disadvantaged children.

With providers stretched, Ofsted, now in sole charge of the inspection process as of April 2017, have published a 2018 Early Years Compliance Handbook. This will ensure that through strong safeguarding practice the impressive 94% of providers that are awarded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings are sustained.

Given the high-level output of Early Years education, it has been identified as the cornerstone of social mobility in the government’s new strategy to improve social mobility through education, Unlocking Talent, Fulfilling Potential.

If Early Years providers are to maintain these high standards in a sustainable manner and are to support social mobility then they must learn from one another to enhance their financial resilience and maximise the opportunities presented by the Early Years Workforce Strategy. Local authorities, nurseries and children’s centres must now work together to ensure that funding allocated translates into continuous improvement for early years provision standards.

This one day forum provides an opportunity for participants to develop their understanding of recent early years education reforms that address the current workforce and funding challenges. 

Attendees will examine the implications of the 2017 Early Years Workforce Strategy and recent funding announcements by the Department for Education. Participants will also explore best practice case studies that are attaining high levels of success in the face of funding and workforce development challenges.

Key speakers include:
• Stella Ziolkowski, Director of Quality and Training, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
• Ivana La Valle, Co-Author, Evaluation of Early Rollout of 30 Hours Free Childcare and Research Consultant and Visiting Scholar, University of East London
• Sarah Read, Acting Head of Early Years, Action for Children
• Sue Meekings, Vice Chair, Professional Association for ChildCare & Early Years (PACEY)
• Professor Leon Feinstein, Director of Evidence, Children’s Commissioner.

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There are three ways to register: call: 0203 770 6580; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or click the link below to visit the event website.