Community has highlighted that the government’s proposal of a ‘golden hello’ for new early years workers will do little to address the long-term recruitment and retention challenges facing the sector.
The Department of Education is set to offer £1,000 to new childcare staff as concerns grow about filling the gaps in the early years workforce ahead of the roll-out of extended free childcare hours in April.
Labour has called on former Ofsted Chief Inspector Sir David Bell to lead a review into the early years, with a view to improve standards of childcare across England with a well-trained, motivated workforce.
Community Union’s National Officer for Education and Early Years, Helen Osgood, said:
“Quick ‘golden hellos’ to new starters in the early years sector will do little for the retention of staff who are demoralised and leaving the sector in droves. It’s sticking-plaster politics. The Government would do much better to pledge an ambition to achieve the real living wage across the sector, which would be a move to more secure pay for thousands of workers in the sector, the majority of whom are women.”
“Community fully supports the David Bell review of the sector which Labour has requested. We need to see a well thought-out strategy that will lead to higher standards of childcare and ensure that staff feel supported, valued and safe at work.
“These are central themes of Community’s Early Years Charter. We want to see recognition and improved pay and conditions for the early years workforce. Unless we see a meaningful change in approach, the government has little hope of addressing the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector.”
Sign up to our Early Years Charter
If you agree that our early years workforce and services deserve better, please sign our Early Years Charter today.
If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2025
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