Both governmental strategy, and the increased demand for childcare facilities have led to a boom in new early years settings and employment within the sector. The rising demand for its services and a number of governmental activities resulted in recruitment (and retention) problems. Nurseries and out-of-school playgroups in particular reported recruitment difficulties.

The care of young children has been accepted as a vital social task for which well-trained staff are necessary.

The sector suffers from the reputation that it provides services ‘that anybody could do’. As a consequence, wages are low which again deters recruitment and affects retention.

Turnover staff rates for nursery staff are higher in London, the East and the South East. Different pictures can be seen in playgroups/pre-schools and in out-of-school-clubs. Next to general regional variations the ‘history’ of childcare provision plays a role.

A wide range of occupations at all levels is available in the sector, such as childminders, nursery nurses, or classroom assistants.

Most people working in the early years care and playwork settings are white women (about 97%).

The main training needs for the sector are health and safety, food hygiene, and work with children with special needs. A wide range of qualifications is available for the workforce. More than 60 % of the staff are awarded level 2 or level 3 qualifications.