The new Labour Government has pledged to create a further 100,000 early years places and 3000 nurseries. But the sector is facing a recruitment and retention crisis, with the Recruitment & Employment Confederation’s (REC) Labour Market Tracker finding that in January 2024, the amount of active job vacancies for early years practitioners had increased 146.2 per cent on pre-pandemic levels (February 2020). 

This means that not only are parents missing out on places, but businesses are missing out on growth. With the Children’s Day Nursery Sector contributing £6.7 billion to the UK economy (Savills, September 2023) providers across the country have been sounding the alarm. 
This week Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester announced that as part of the new Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) Education and Early Years will be one of seven gateways the initiative would focus on. 

GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY say that each MBacc gateway will guide young people to the subjects and qualifications most valued by the city-region’s employers. And crucially include 50 hours of workplace experience between Year 9–11 and 1,000 additional T–Level placements. 

Specialists at GM Business Growth Hub believe this signals an important step in recognising the work that needs to be done to strengthen the sector. Yvonne Sampson leads the Enterprise Team at the Hub and thinks the initiative could lead to enhanced job readiness for young people entering early years education roles and potentially improve the overall quality and effectiveness of early childhood education in the region. 

“We welcome the announcement by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham that the MBacc will have a focus on Education and Early Years. Hopefully this means increased emphasis on skills development relevant to the field, ensuring a workforce better equipped with practical experience and qualifications valued by employers.

“Nursery and childcare has been a long-standing issue for the continued development of the UK economy. Not only does the industry directly generate jobs, but it also provides essential support for parents, and even allows them to rejoin the workforce.” said Yvonne Sampson, Head of Enterprise at Business Growth Hub.  

Early Years providers across the country are looking for change, and those in Greater Manchester are hopeful that this new announcement will be the catalyst for the city-region. 

Donna Robinson is a setting lead at Ladybird Childcare, a childcare provider in Stockport. She said "as Early Years providers, we are thrilled to see Education and Early Years highlighted as a crucial gateway in the new Manchester Baccalaureate. This initiative not only aligns with our commitment to laying a strong educational foundation for young children but also ensures that future generations are equipped with the skills and experiences valued by Greater Manchester’s employers. 

“The inclusion of 50 hours of workplace experience between Year 9–11 and 1,000 additional T-Level placements will provide invaluable real-world exposure, bridging the gap between education and employment. We commend Mayor Andy Burnham and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for their forward-thinking approach to nurturing our young talent." 

GM Business Growth Hub has been working with providers in Rochdale on a pilot scheme to help Nursery and Early Years businesses grow, with plans to roll it out across the 10 boroughs. GM Business Growth Hub provides full funded support and insight to businesses across Greater Manchester.