Nursery World - Ofsted annual report – Workforce crisis affecting children's recovery from pandemic

Staff shortages in the early years sector are 'compounding' problems for children’s early years education, and must be urgently addressed, according to Ofsted’s annual report.

Ofsted highlights the recruitment crisis leading to nursery closures in its annual report PHOTO Adobe Stock

The report also highlights a workforce crisis in schools and colleges and says children with special educational needs and disabilities are among the worst affected. Schools are struggling to recruit teaching assistants.

It warns that the early years sector is ‘losing out’ to better paid jobs and nurseries have closed because they are unable to recruit high-quality, qualified and experienced staff.

Ofsted said that children are bearing the brunt of these issues, as staff shortages are creating problems that can affect the quality of education.

The report also said, ‘Early years providers are adjusting their work with the youngest children, within the context of the cost-of-living pressures and demands for more affordable childcare.’

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