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Early Learning Sector Report Released

September 8, 2022| By Futuro Childcare
Early Learning Sector Report Released

Summary

  • The number of people working in the ECEC sector increased dramatically from 2016, outstripping the number of new centres, which suggests that further investigation is required for the reasons behind industry staffing shortages.
  • NSW has the lowest average centre capacity of any state/territory, reinforcing recent reports regarding ‘childcare deserts’.
  • Now is the perfect time if you want to start studying for a new qualification – check out these options for fee-free training and scholarships.

Introduction

It’s no secret that the early learning sector is facing some serious challenges with respect to the availability of qualified staff. It’s a hot button topic and there’s a reason for that – staffing shortages have a direct impact on the provision of high quality care.

The Federal Government’s Social Research Centre recently released a fascinating report on the early learning sector workforce (nerd alert!). Some of the key call outs are summarised below – however we’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic as well, please reach out to us!

The size of the workforce has increased dramatically in recent years

The last survey was conducted in 2016, and since then the size of the ECEC workforce increased 34%. However, the number of new services opening in the same period was only 20%, prompting the question of how the sector can be experiencing such significant staffing shortages.

Industry publication, The Sector speculates that the reasons for this mis-match include: •A gradual shift towards larger centres •Increased regulatory requirements •A high degree of casualisation of the workforce

Of these, the casualisation of the workforce is perhaps the biggest conundrum. There is a substantial body of research stressing the critical role that consistent relationships with caregivers play in supporting children’s development. If policy makers and employers can address the casualisation of the workforce, it will be a win/win; helping to alleviate staffing shortages and ensuring high quality outcomes for children.

The relatively high number of staff holding a Diploma qualification [41.8%] (compared with a Bachelor’s degree, equivalent or higher [23.9%] or a Certificate III [30.1%]) may also contribute to the high number of staffing shortages, with employers seeking staff with specific qualifications to meet ratio while keeping wage costs at a manageable level.

Childcare Centre Capacity

There has been much in the press lately regarding ‘childcare deserts’, with some parts of Sydney being particularly poorly serviced. There are a wide range of complex reasons for the low number of centres in some parts of Sydney including high real estate and development costs and the limited availability of large real estate lots appropriate for childcare.

This report reinforces the ‘childcare desert’ report, noting that 59.5% of ECEC centres had no capacity to take additional children. NSW had the lowest average service capacity compared with other states and territories (6.4%).

Other interesting callouts

  • The hours worked each week are highest in the family daycare sector. 
  • The ECEC sector compares very favourably with all other care sectors with respect to pay, with 57.1% of staff earning the Award rate, 25.5% earning up to 10% above the Award and 8.1% earning 10% or more above the Award. 
  • A large proportion of staff have higher qualification rates, most notably Diploma qualifications, with only a very small percentage of staff working towards a Certificate III. 
  • Despite record investment by the State and Federal Governments in fee-free study and scholarships, the number of staff studying a higher qualification has dropped in recent years (currently 23.7% of staff in the ECEC are studying a higher qualification).

Information on subsidised study

The investment by State and Federal Governments in the ECEC sector is really. For more information, check out the NSW State Government websites for information on fee-free training and scholarships.

Any tips?

We love talking policy! We would love you to share your insights with us on these policy matters, you can reach out to us at enquiries@futuro.nsw.edu.au.