According to a recent report by BBC news, there has been a sharp increase in nursery closures, bringing increased pressure on practitioners and parents across the UK. Within this report, industry experts, Early Years Alliance, have raised concerns that the sector is facing its worst crisis in recruitment and cost increases in over 20 years, which is only being exacerbated by the cost of living pressures.

“The Pregnant Then Screwed campaign group said it had been "inundated" with messages from parents whose local nursery had closed suddenly. Nurseries are facing increased energy, food, and staffing costs, as well as struggling to recruit”, the BBC article also explains.

In light of such pressures, TTS is collaborating with five Early Years experts to host a free webinar that aims to raise the profile of the sector and empower practitioners amidst the pressures.

Through insights and their lived experiences within the sector, the panel will be sharing practical guidance on how to approach challenges such as practitioner wellbeing, low staff morale, and recruitment pressures.

Purnima Tanuku OBE, CEO of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) and TTS Talking panellist, explains: “We know these changes won't happen overnight, but we need to start, and start positively. Getting as many people as possible to spread the word and influence society‘s attitudes towards early education and care should ultimately result in better outcomes for our children.

“Attracting more talented staff into the sector – and truly recognising those already working in it so they stay - improves our children’s lives and boosts the economy.”

June O’Sullivan MBE, CEO at LEYF and TTS Talking panellist, adds: “For many years we have understood that leadership is crucial to the success of the sector. For this, we need our own leadership approach where we learn to lead with a purpose and shape a service that encourages a balanced focus on economic profits, employee well-being, social pedagogy, and social and ecological impact.

“Leadership is an ever-evolving concept and what we think a leader does depends on our context and the ability to address the many and changing challenges of the sector.”

The TTS Talking webinar, named Empowering Early Years Education, goes live on Thursday 18th August at 7:30 pm, offering the opportunity for early years’ managers, practitioners and childminders to watch the webinar, interact with other viewers and ask the experts questions that will be answered in follow-up content.

The expert panel includes:
- Purnima Tanuku, OBE, Chief Executive, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
- Kate Moxley, Consultant, Trainer, and Speaker specialising in wellbeing and mental health
- June O’Sullivan, MBE, CEO of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF)
- Jamel Carly Campbell, Early Years Educator, Consultant and Children’s Author
- Hosted by Alistair Bryce-Clegg, Early Years Consultant

The exclusive content shared within this webinar will be available on the TTS World of Education platform; a space for educators and practitioners across the globe to enjoy unique learning materials, lesson plans, exclusive content, and insights from industry experts.