GM Early Education and Childcare Workforce Campaign

We want all children in Greater Manchester to have the best start in life and start school ready to learn and thrive, you can be a part of this through choosing a career in early education and childcare.

In response to the persistent and increasing challenges in the early education and childcare workforce, GMCA has launched a 12 month, ambitious workforce campaign focused on improving recruitment and retention in the sector.

The campaign aims include:

• Celebrating and valuing the existing workforce highlighting the personal impact they make on the lives of children and families across Greater Manchester.

• Raising awareness of the role of early education and childcare in supporting early child development.

• Boosting recruitment into the sector through promoting the different roles and qualification pathways in GM.

We would appreciate support from partners across the city region with delivering on the campaign aims. You can access the campaign toolkit via the link below, this  includes a range of assets and suggested copy for use on social media platforms. 

View the Early Education and Childcare Campaign comms toolkit and asset bank.

Why is Early Education and Childcare so important?

The early years are a crucial time for a child’s development, with research showing that high-quality early education helps build resilience, develop language and communication skills, and improve children’s overall wellbeing.

Beyond child development, the early education sector plays a vital role in enabling parents and caregivers to work or pursue training, while also helping families access crucial support services.

This campaign is not only about nurturing children, but also strengthening Greater Manchester’s economy and support for families by ensuring parents have access to reliable, high-quality childcare. 

 Workforce challenges 

The early education and childcare sector is facing significant challenges on a national scale, from high staff turnover rates to a general lack of awareness of the qualifications and routes into the sector and the progression opportunities - issues which have worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic. 

As a result of the expansion of funded childcare, by September 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) estimates a 12% increase on staff numbers will be required nationally to deliver on the required number of places.

What does a career in early education and childcare look like?  

A job in early education and childcare is unique and rewarding. You get to be part of a child’s early education, supporting them with developing key skills and helping to shape their future. No matter what the day brings, you will feel joy in seeing children grow, learn and flourish.  

You can get so much out of working with young children. It is a job with impact, where you get to be a part of a child's early years and make a difference that lasts a lifetime. You can be part of a team, lead a team or be your own boss and become a childminder.  

Working in this sector is also challenging. Each child is unique, with different needs and some may need additional support to help them meet their developmental milestones.

Each family is also unique, and you will need to work in partnership with parents and carers to support children to thrive. This means advising parent/carers on how to support their child’s learning and development at home or signposting them to other services in their community where they can get some support. 

Find out more about how to access funded early education and childcare in your local areas. 

Please click here to find out more about a career in early education and childcare

Click on the icons below for further information about how to take your first steps to working in the early education and childcare sector.