Funded childcare hours for working parents doubled

Earlier this month, the UK Government announced that the amount of government-funded childcare for eligible working parents in England has doubled. Parents are now entitled to 30 hours of childcare for children under the age of 2 years old.

This change will enable parents to provide their children with adequate childcare while working, however it could risk putting a strain on Early Years settings that are commonly understaffed.

To support this update, it’s key for childcare settings to have enough qualified staff on hand. Learn how apprenticeships can be the solution to helping Early Year settings handle the demand.

Early Years training

The Early Years sector is one that has a long history of benefitting from funded training and apprenticeships. Utilising apprenticeships to hire new talent or upskill existing team members blends perfectly with the mix of hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge needed for this industry.

By utilising apprenticeships Early Years settings can enhance their staff and gain more qualified staff to meet the rising demand for childcare places.

Upskilling vs recruiting

Apprenticeships offer settings the flexibility to be able to utilise these programmes to hire new members of the team or upskill existing team members. Hiring new team members through an apprenticeship path will provide you with motivated staff members that are keen to enter the industry and can apply their theoretical learning on the job.

Upskilling existing team members can help you develop your current staff, giving them the opportunity to gain further qualifications and ensuring your setting is fully qualified and equipped with the best staff.

LMP Education’s Early Years Apprenticeships

LMP Education offers three levels of training for Early Years professionals helping learners develop within the field.

Early Years Practitioner Level 2

Early Years Practitioners (EYP) interact daily with parents, children, and a variety of professionals such as health visitors and social workers. EYP apprentices, participate in observation, assessment, and care duties while collaborating with parents and professionals playing A crucial role in identifying potential hazards to ensure the safety of children.

Early Years Educator Level 3

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.

They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5

A Level 5 apprentice will gain the skills to lead best practice, mentor staff, and implement the EYFS framework effectively. Investing in staff development can directly improve the quality of education and care you provide, which can have a positive impact on Ofsted ratings and your setting’s reputation.

Investing in a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship can bring significant benefits to both your staff and your business. This apprenticeship helps develop future leaders within your setting, improving the quality of care, staff retention and overall business performance.

If you are interested in hiring new staff members for your childcare setting or upskilling an existing member of your team, book a discovery call with the LMP Education team today!