New report reveals drastic fall in early years qualifications as childcare professionals demand set to surge.
YMCA has issued a stark warning that the Government’s ‘flagship’ childcare expansion is at risk unless urgent action is taken to address the national shortage of qualified childcare professionals. In 2024 alone, 19,200 childcare roles remained unfilled, despite national recruitment campaigns. In a new report, YMCA outlines how falling qualification levels, increased demand, and slow recruitment are converging to create a crisis point for the sector.
While some childcare providers have managed to increase staffing levels, many YMCAs continue to face major recruitment challenges. The hiring process can be long and leave personnel gaps for substantial periods to find the right fit in terms of suitability and qualifications.
YMCA supports over 6,500 children each year across 63 childcare settings, often in communities with high deprivation and complex needs. We are actively recruiting qualified candidates to join our team at YMCA Fairthorne Manor and help us continue delivering vital early years support.
We’re always looking for Early Years Practitioners as we believe in giving all children the very best start in life!
Visit our Nursery page here!
