SIPTU Early Years Staffing Survey 2023
There have been major changes in the Early Years sector since SIPTU’s previous staffing survey conducted just last year.
After years of campaigning by SIPTU and other organisations, government increased funding to the sector by an additional €173
million in 2022 via a new ‘Core Funding’ scheme. This investment underpinned an historic first pay deal which saw pay increases for over 70% of Early Years managers and educators.
For example, the hourly rate of pay for a Graduate Room Leader (QQI Level 8) went from an average of €13.21 to a minimum of €15.50 per hour. Similarly, the hourly rate of pay for an early Years Educator went from an average of €11.57 to a minimum of €13 per hour.
This investment had several objectives, including
Improving quality for children by reducing staff turnover rates.
Supporting the ongoing professionalisation of the sector.
Supporting provider sustainability.
This year’s staffing survey shows that while progress has been made, recruitment and retention remains the biggest problem for services. The consequences include challenges maintaining child to staff ratios, increased workload, stress and pressure, lower quality for children and limiting services for parents.
Simply put, there is a staffing crisis in Early Years.
