This year’s supplement takes an in-depth look at how the current climate is impacting mergers and acquisitions, recruitment, quality of provision and training in the increasingly vital area of SEND.
Unlike many other markets in the UK, which are already slowing as a result of the economic squeeze, the nursery sector remains resilient. However, the business picture is becoming increasingly complex, and those looking to buy or sell will need to adapt to a changing landscape. Find out more in Meredith Jones Russell’s feature which talks to the experts and movers and shakers in the market.
Working in the early years takes passion and commitment – but these dedicated and skilled individuals are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Gabriella Jozwiak talks to nurseries about the current state of the recruitment crisis and discovers some innovative tactics to attract new staff.
High quality provision has long been the holly grail for early years settings but benchmarks for quality – and perceptions of what it means in a post-lockdown world – have changed. Nicole Weinstein meets some outstanding settings to discover how both large and small operators are achieving the highest possible standards of early education, despite the current uncertainties and challenges.
With Covid having placed more pressures on children’s development and wellbeing, and with the Government’s stated commitment to increasing funding in training for early years SENCOs, Charlotte Goddard takes a look at what is available and what needs to happen to make a positive difference.
