Increase government funding of Early Years settings, and introduce national frameworks related to pay, career progression and professional recognition to ensure greater alignment with educators and teachers in wider educational settings.

Early Years Teachers and practitioners support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, safeguarding and school readiness, requiring specialist skills and knowledge. Many in private and independent settings face low pay, limited progression and poor recognition due to insufficient funding. Improved funding, a national pay framework, and formal recognition as educators would support staff retention and quality outcomes for children especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.