Strengthening the Early Years Workforce
Early years education lays the foundation for lifelong learning. But settings across the UK are facing recruitment and retention challenges that threaten quality and consistency.
The challenge
The early years sector is under pressure due to:
- Staff shortages and high turnover
- Low entry pay and limited career progression
- Gaps in training or SEND expertise
- Difficulty recruiting to rural or disadvantaged areas
Without a stable, skilled workforce, it’s harder to deliver high-quality care and learning experiences.
How Supporting Education Group Can Help
- Flexible Staffing Support: Access qualified early years practitioners for permanent, temporary or supply roles.
- Apprenticeships & Training: Develop your own pipeline of talent through funded training and nationally recognised qualifications.
- Leadership Development: Support progression with leadership pathways tailored to early years settings.
- HR & Compliance Support: Ensure safer recruitment and strong people management with expert HR advice and systems.
From our clients
Hear directly from the educators and institutions we’ve proudly partnered with. Their stories reflect the impact of our tailored solutions and dedicated support, fostering real change within the educational landscape.
The Impact
Our early years partnerships have led to:
- Increased staff retention and job satisfaction
- Reduced reliance on short-term cover
- Improved staff quality and career confidence
- Better outcomes for children through consistent, skilled provision
Featured product
Early Years Apprenticeships
At Eden, we feel it’s our responsibility to offer apprentices an outstanding learning experience, making a positive difference to their lives and the children they support in their early years care.
Our expert
Sian Marsh
Early Years ITT & Apprenticeships
Sian has specialised in early years education for over 20 years. She is experienced in developing blended programmes at all levels from Apprenticeships through to Initial Teacher Training.
Related insights
In the media: Best Practice Network awarded new DfE contract to deliver Early Years SENCo training places in 2026/27
Bringing the Early Years SEND Community Together: Highlights from Best Practice Network’s 2026 Conferences
Building SEND skills and confidence for early years professionals
Build a Future-Ready Early Years Team
Whether you’re a nursery, school-based setting or trust, we’ll help you grow a confident, committed early years workforce.
Explore early years support