Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of levels of pay for graduates in the early years sector.

The department publishes data on pay for early years staff by qualification level. The most recent data is available in the 2021 provider survey here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/providers-finances-survey-of-childcare-and-ey-providers-2021.

The majority of the early years sector is made up of private, voluntary and independent organisations who set their own rates of pay. The department acknowledges the concerns raised by the sector regarding workforce recruitment and retention, including the perceived impact of salary rates.

Following the transformational Spring Budget 2023 announcement and the extension of the 30 hours free childcare entitlement, we will work closely with the sector to develop a plan to grow and develop the workforce, including how to improve professional development within the sector. We will share further information in due course.