Thank you @nurseryworld.bsky.social for covering our research with Dr Gillian Paull of the London School of Economics. The new report models the impact of the National Minimum Wage rises announced in the November 2025 Budget on early years providers in England
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
This follows estimated increases of 5.3% in 2024 and 4.8% in 2025 linked to earlier policy changes.
Explore the full modelling and implications for the sector here: bit.ly/4cWpAC7
New modelling published today by Dr Gillian Paull of London School of Economics for the Early Education and Childcare Coalition shows the April 2026 National Minimum Wage rise will increase delivery costs for early years providers in England by an average of 2.4%
"If the government wants a stable system that families can rely on, it must invest properly in the workforce that makes it possible. That means funding rates that allow providers to pay staff fairly, reward higher qualifications and retain experienced professionals."
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The comment continues
"Securing a steady flow of new staff is only one part of the picture. Just as urgent is the need to retain experienced professionals who are already in the sector and provide them with sustainable pathways to progression."
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Responding to the report, Sarah Ronan, Executive Director of the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, said
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New research from @thenfer.bsky.social highlights the scale of the workforce challenge facing early education and childcare in England.
www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...
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Our members are currently digesting the detail of the proposals, and we will share a round-up of their responses and analysis in the coming days. To hear more about what this could mean for early years, sign up to our newsletter www.earlyeducationchildcare.org/contact
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As the consultation period begins, it is vital that those with experience of the system help to shape the future of SEND policy. We strongly encourage parents, carers and the organisations that work with them to share their views during this process.
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The publication of the Schools White Paper marks an important day for everyone involved in the SEND system, from children and families to the professionals who support them.
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A new survey of over 4,800 childminders collated by Coalition member @corampacey.bsky.social warns that changes linked to Making Tax Digital, including the removal of the long standing 10% wear and tear allowance, could push over half of childminders out of the workforce.
Read more: bit.ly/4tAkXDS
We are delighted to welcome Sue Robb as the new Best Start in Life Champion at @departmentforedu.bsky.social. We look forward to working with Sue as the Best Start in Life strategy moves from ambition into delivery.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
“Many childminders are now saying they may have to close, reduce funded places, or stop offering flexible care, which will directly affect families who rely on us.”
The 'wear and tear' allowance must stay in place. Childminders need more support, not more obstacles.
inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...
We've joined with 64 other organisations to welcome this important first step in the fight to end child poverty.
Read our joint statement here: cpag.org.uk/news/stateme...
📢 Call for evidence
In April, the Government will be publishing guidance on early years screen time. They are interested in hearing from pedgagogy and education experts, researchers and education charities in order to inform parental guidance.
consult.education.gov.uk/behaviour-te...
Data drives change. If you’re a parent, please take a few minutes to add your voice to Coalition member Pregnant Then Screwed’s State of the Nation survey pregnantthenscrewed.typeform.com/SOTN2025?utm...
Coalition member @eyalliance.bsky.social has launched a new ‘State of the sector’ survey for early years providers looking at the impact of recent policy changes. They want to hear your views.
Complete the survey by 3rd Feb
Please share with your networks
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www.eyalliance.org.uk/carousel/hav...
We welcome today's announcement that the Government will invest £200m in CPD across early years, schools and further education.
It is vital that this training is accessible to all early years professionals, whether they are based in a group setting or at home.
schoolsweek.co.uk/new-200m-sch...
Last week's guidance from the Department for Education confirmed the following welcome changes:
➡️The pass-through rate will increase from 96% to 97%
➡️LAs must inform providers of funding rates by 28 February
➡️All providers, including childminders, should be paid monthly
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Our newsletter brings together the key updates, research and decisions shaping the system, all in one place.
Open to everyone, not just Coalition members.
Sign up here www.earlyeducationchildcare.org/contact
This powerful article from @theirworld.bsky.social & @unicef.org makes a clear and persuasive case for why early education is one of the smartest investments we can make, and why the early years deserve far more attention in global policy debates.
Read more
Read our response to the new funding rate announcement here earlyeducationchildcare.org/press
You can find all the data here: explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statist...
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A Best Start in Life requires sustainable and reliable systems of support for families.
Our members will be looking to the upcoming Funding Formula Consultation and the promised Childcare Review as opportunities to secure meaningful change.
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➡️ Families excluded from the funded entitlements can expect to pay as much as £18,668 for a full-time place.
➡️ And while pay has risen thanks to increases in minimum wage, we know that funding has not kept pace. 2/4
While this year's Survey of Childcare and Early Years Providers shows a small rise in available places, overall, the data paints a picture of a system under intense pressure.
➡️ The total number of providers has fallen, driven by a further drop in the number of Ofsted-registered childminders 1/4
The pilot aims to create a new approach to data collection that supports providers, practitioners and policy makers and shows how reliable data can lead to better workforce planning and development.
To find out more about this work click here www.earlyeducationchildcare.org/building-eng...
We were pleased to see Chris Vince MP spotlight the need for stronger data in workforce planning. This is a significant priority for us as we continue our work with
@greatermcr.bsky.social on a test and learn pilot to improve the quality of workforce data.
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It was great to see several Coalition members and supporters give evidence to the Education Committee this week as part of the inquiry Early Years: Improving Support for Children and Families
@eyalliance.bsky.social @earlyed-uk.bsky.social @corampacey.bsky.social @ndnatalk.bsky.social
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