Alongside investment, a workforce strategy is essential to address the current recruitment and retention crisis. Our Childcare Survey 2024 found a shortage of childcare places across the country, with the majority of local authorities telling us that recruiting and retaining the right staff was a key barrier to making enough places available.

With more children eligible for funded childcare, there is a risk of further decreases in provision for disabled children who are already most likely to miss out on early education, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Therefore we continue to call on all parties to ensure the needs of all families are included in their plans, to make sure every child gets the best start in life, regardless of their circumstances.