Search Website
Close
-
YMCA
-
About Us
-
Campaigning
-
YMCA during war
Back -
-
What we do
-
Get Involved
-
Shops
-
YMCA
-
About Us
-
Campaigning
-
YMCA during war
Back -
-
What we do
-
Get Involved
-
Shops
Government’s Ambitious Childcare Expansion Is Currently Far From Reach And Urgent Action Is Needed, Warns YMCA
YMCA, the largest voluntary childcare provider in the country, estimates a 13.2% increase in qualified staff (45,000) is needed by September 2025 to accommodate the expanded 30 funded hours.
YMCA projection is a conservative estimate, based on the Department for Education’s predictions of new funded hours taken up, hinging on 2023 workforce levels remaining static.
The ongoing departure of qualified staff from the sector suggests an even more significant potential shortfall could be on the horizon unless swift action is taken. With the impending expansion of hours and increased demand, the urgency to rapidly expand the early years workforce is paramount.
The Government is due to implement a full 30-hour entitlement expansion in 20 months’ time; YMCA warns that it takes 18 months to achieve the necessary Level 3 qualification, demonstrating the imminent impact of the shortfall as time quickly runs out to establish the workforce needed to deliver it.
Every child and young person should receive good quality education and training which gives them the best start in life.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales warns:
“While we appreciate the Government’s commitment to early years childcare, we are deeply concerned about the widening gap between demand and capacity, to truly meet the needs of families, there must be an urgent concerted effort to address the impending recruitment and retention crisis. The current trajectory puts the sustainability of quality childcare at risk.
Close
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore
Highlighting the stark realities providers face, YMCA underscores the challenges posed by the Government’s role as the largest buyer of childcare hours.
Potential hurdles include the possibility of some sector providers capping funded places and imposing substantial additional fees for families, such as extra hours, early drop-offs, late pick-ups, meals, and excursions.
The sector, grappling with persistently underfunded hourly rates exacerbated by inflation and the National Living Wage (NLW), has long faced challenges resulting in staff shortages and closures, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged regions. The recent increase in hourly rates for those aged two and under is undoubtedly a positive step.
Close