Improve funding, pay & professional recognition for the Early Years workforce

26,931
signatures
closedDepartment for EducationOpened 6 March 2026Closed 6 September 2026

Background

Increase government funding of Early Years settings, and introduce national frameworks related to pay, career progression and professional recognition to ensure greater alignment with educators and teachers in wider educational settings.

Additional details

Early Years Teachers and practitioners support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, safeguarding and school readiness, requiring specialist skills and knowledge. Many in private and independent settings face low pay, limited progression and poor recognition due to insufficient funding. Improved funding, a national pay framework, and formal recognition as educators would support staff retention and quality outcomes for children especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 758497.