Improving Retention Rates in Early Years Education with Skills Bootcamps
Details: Written by Kelly Worsnop
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Kids Planet is a leading UK-based childcare provider operating a network of over 200 nurseries. Founded in 2008, the group is committed to providing high-quality early years education and care.
The Skills Network partners with a wide range of employers to deliver Skills Bootcamps, including Kids Planet Day Nurseries. Gill Mason, Training Academy Director at Kids Planet Nurseries, recently shared the positive impact that this is having on the business and wider industry.
Gill has worked in the childcare and vocational training industry for 25 years and helped to set up the nursery group’s Training Academy in 2018, which has graduated over 800 apprentices. During our discussions with Gill, she reflected on the retention issues that the early years sector faces and how Kids Planet’s partnership with The Skills Network to deliver Skills Bootcamps is helping to mitigate these.
Skills Bootcamps, provided by The Skills Network, are free, flexible courses that run up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of an interview with an employer upon completion. The Level 3 Early Years Educator Skills Bootcamp is a training programme that runs over the course of up to 12-weeks and equips individuals with key knowledge and skills to work in the early years sector. It allows learners to have the opportunity to achieve an accelerated apprenticeship qualification, and therefore enter an accelerated role in the likes of nursery or preschool settings, or in a reception class in a school.
“At Kids Planet, we have recognised the value of Skills Bootcamps in attracting and retaining top talent for our early years’ workforce. The Level 3 Early Years Educator Skills Bootcamp has been instrumental in our recruitment efforts, providing a pipeline of qualified and motivated candidates.”
The Skills Network’s Skills Bootcamps offer a structured approach to training and recruitment, allowing employers to attract talent and identify the right candidates in an efficient manner. As part of the programme, learners undergo in-depth training, gaining essential knowledge and skills required for working in the early years sector. Upon completion, they are invited for interviews and a DBS check, providing a valuable opportunity for both the candidate and the employer to assess the suitability of the role.
“The early years sector faces a significant skills gap, with high turnover rates and difficulty retaining staff that deliver high-quality care and education. Skills Bootcamps are playing a crucial role in addressing this challenge. By providing targeted training and qualifications, these programmes aim to equip individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in the sector and provide them with a good taster as to what to expect in the role.”
Gill praised Skills Bootcamps for contributing to a more diverse early years workforce. Kids Planet has worked with individuals from various backgrounds, including mature learners, male learners, and those with experience in other industries. This diversity brings a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives to the sector.
Skills Bootcamps are well-positioned to become an integral part of the future of the early years’ workforce. By providing accessible and affordable training, these programmes can help to improve retention rates, attract new talent, and ensure that the sector has the skilled professionals needed to deliver high-quality care and education.
"We’ve found that Skills Bootcamps have been invaluable in our recruitment efforts. They provide us with a pipeline of qualified candidates who are eager to join the hugely rewarding early years sector.
"We've seen a significant increase in the quality of applicants since implementing the Skills Bootcamps. The training equips them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the role while providing key insight into practicalities that are often looked past at the initial stages of a new job, such as the efficiency of the commute, and the required working hours.”
Kids Planet's success with the Level 3 Early Years Educator Skills Bootcamp demonstrates the effectiveness of this training programme in addressing the challenges faced by the early years sector. By investing in Skills Bootcamps, childcare providers can attract top talent, improve retention rates, and ensure a more robust future for the wider industry.
Michael Burton, Head of Employer Engagement at The Skills Network, has seen first-hand the benefits that Skills Bootcamps offer to employers by providing access to a wide range of high-quality learners.
“Skills Bootcamps are an excellent way to enhance employability and provide employers with access to a diverse talent pool of engaged learners who have demonstrated their commitment to the sector by completing the course. It is essential for employers to highlight the opportunities available within the sector and the potential for progression, especially for those who may view it as a temporary solution rather than a long-term career.
“We collaborate with employers to showcase these possibilities and shift perceptions. The savings on recruitment costs through Skills Bootcamps can significantly impact the investment made back into staff, ultimately supporting further retention.”
To find out more about the Level 3 Skills Bootcamp in Early Years Educator we deliver, please click here