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April 25 Newsletter

Date

Welcome to the April edition of the Early Years Employment Research Hub newsletter! This month, we're spotlighting the critical role of workforce development, advocacy, and long-term sustainability in early childhood education and care. With growing attention on the challenges facing the sector, we’re sharing insights, research, and policy discussions that aim to strengthen the workforce and ensure professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve. 

This edition comes a little later than usual, as it's been a busy time—including a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Early Education and Childcare, where we were delighted to join MPs in discussions about the future of the early years sector. 

In this issue, we explore: 

  • Strengthening the Workforce in West Yorkshire, highlighting policy recommendations to improve recruitment, retention, and professional development in the region. 
  • Mission-Driven Industrial Relations, examining how fair pay agreements could bring greater stability to the early years sector and referencing findings from the Retention and Return report on workforce challenges. 
  • Advocacy for the PVI Sector and ECEC Profession, emphasizing the power of practitioner voices in shaping fair policies and better working conditions. 
  • Why Work in Early Years? reflecting on the importance of championing the workforce and shifting perceptions of early years careers. 
  • The Shaping Us Framework, a research-based approach to social and emotional development, offering valuable guidance for practitioners in fostering children’s lifelong well-being. 

We hope you find this month’s insights inspiring and useful. By working together, we can continue to drive meaningful change and elevate the early years workforce. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback! 

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Strengthening the Early Years Workforce in West Yorkshire 

A new report by Y-PERN and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority celebrates the commitment of early years professionals while identifying ways to enhance workforce sustainability. With a focus on recruitment, retention, fair pay, and professional development, the report presents regional policy solutions designed to empower practitioners and improve career opportunities in the sector. 

By investing in training and workplace improvements, West Yorkshire can lead the way in creating a stronger, more stable early years workforce, ensuring high-quality education and care for young children. With the right support, early years professionals can thrive—helping to shape brighter futures for the next generation. 

Read the full report on the Y-PERN website: Early Years Education and Childcare System in West Yorkshire. 

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Mission-Driven Industrial Relations: A Stronger Future for the Early Years Workforce 

The Mission-Driven Industrial Relations report by IPPR presents an exciting opportunity to transform workforce stability in key sectors, including early childhood education and care. By proposing structured agreements on pay, training, and working conditions, the report highlights how fair pay agreements could bring greater security, recognition, and sustainability to the sector. 

For the early years workforce, this approach could help address challenges such as staff turnover, career progression, and financial stability, ensuring that practitioners feel valued and supported. The report also references the Retention and Return report, published by the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, which highlights the need for better workforce retention strategies. Together, these insights underscore the importance of long-term investment in early years professionals—helping to build a thriving and resilient sector that supports both educators and the children they care for. 

Explore the full reports here: 

Mission-Driven Industrial Relations – IPPR: Read more 

Retention and Return – Early Education and Childcare Coalition: Read more. 

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Advocating for the PVI Sector and ECEC Profession: Strengthening Workforce Representation 

A recent article from TACTYC highlights the importance of advocacy in the Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) sector and the need for stronger representation of early years professionals. The piece emphasizes how collaboration with policymakers—such as engaging with MPs—can help raise awareness of workforce challenges and drive meaningful change. 

The article underscores the dedication and expertise of those working in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and calls for greater recognition, fairer policies, and improved working conditions. By ensuring that practitioners' voices are heard at a policy level, the sector can build a more sustainable and well-supported workforce, ultimately benefiting both educators and the children they care for. 

Read the full article on TACTYC: Working with My MP to Advocate for the PVI Sector and ECEC Profession 

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Why Work in Early Years? Championing the Workforce 

In her latest article, Janet King highlights the immense value of working in early years education and the need to shift perceptions of the sector. She emphasizes that early years professionals play a critical role in shaping young children's futures, yet misconceptions about the profession often deter potential recruits. 

King calls for a more positive narrative around early years careers, recognizing the skill, dedication, and impact of those in the sector. By celebrating the expertise and passion of early years practitioners, the sector can attract and retain talented professionals who are essential to delivering high-quality education and care. 

Read the full article on Nursery World: Why Work in Early Years? 

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The Shaping Us Framework: Empowering Early Years Practitioners to Support Lifelong Development 

The Shaping Us Framework, developed by the Centre for Early Childhood, offers a powerful tool for understanding and fostering social and emotional development from birth into adulthood. By grouping 30 key social and emotional skills into six clusters, it provides early years practitioners with a clear, research-based approach to nurturing children’s growth: 

  • Knowing Ourselves – Building self-awareness and confidence 
  • Managing Emotions – Developing emotional regulation and resilience 
  • Focusing Thoughts – Strengthening cognitive skills and attention 
  • Communicating with Others – Enhancing expression and social interaction 
  • Nurturing Relationships – Supporting meaningful connections 
  • Exploring the World – Encouraging curiosity and adaptability 

For early years professionals, the framework reinforces the critical role of early childhood in shaping lifelong well-being. By embedding these principles into daily practice, educators can help children develop strong emotional foundations, leading to better outcomes in learning, relationships, and long-term mental health. 

With growing recognition of the importance of early childhood experiences, the Shaping Us Framework offers a valuable resource for practitioners, policymakers, and families alike. Investing in the emotional and social skills of young children strengthens not only individuals but entire communities—ensuring a brighter, more resilient future for all. 

Learn more on the Centre for Early Childhood website: The Shaping Us Framework. 

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