Why You’re Struggling to Recruit Nursery Staff

The Reality of the Recruitment Challenge in Early Years 

Recruiting nursery staff has become increasingly difficult across the UK. With over 80% of early years settings reporting ongoing recruitment challenges, what was once a manageable issue has now become a long-term structural pressure on the sector. 

This is now affecting more than just staffing rotas. Nurseries are seeing direct impacts on occupancy levels, staff wellbeing, and in some cases, consistency of care. 

The challenge is not simply a shortage of people, it is a shortage of accessible, flexible routes into the profession. 

Why Traditional Recruitment Alone Is No Longer Enough 

Most nurseries still rely heavily on job boards, agency recruitment, and reactive hiring when vacancies appear. While these methods still play a role, they are no longer sufficient on their own. 

Competition for experienced staff is intense, and many candidates are lost to other sectors offering similar pay with fewer regulatory demands. At the same time, apprenticeship eligibility rules mean a significant number of potential childcare workers are unable to access training through traditional routes. 

This includes part-time staff, career changers, and individuals already working in nurseries who are capable but not currently eligible for funding. 

The result is a shrinking effective talent pool, even though interest in childcare as a career remains strong. 

Why Swift Childcare Uses a Dual Training Route Approach 

Rather than relying on a single pathway into the sector, Swift Childcare supports nurseries through two complementary training routes: Apprenticeships and Direct Diplomas. 

Apprenticeships remain a strong and structured route for many learners, particularly those who meet eligibility criteria and are able to commit to the required working hours. 

However, not all valuable staff fit within those boundaries. That is where the Direct Diploma becomes essential. It allows nurseries to train individuals who are currently excluded from apprenticeship funding or working hour requirements, without losing progression opportunities. 

Together, these two routes significantly widen access to training and help nurseries build a more sustainable workforce. 

Turning Recruitment Into Workforce Development 

The most effective nurseries are no longer thinking purely in terms of recruitment. Instead, they are building workforce systems where staff are continuously developing through the most suitable training route for their circumstances. 

With Swift Childcare, this means: 

Apprenticeships can be used to bring in new entrants to the sector in a structured way, while Direct Diplomas allow existing staff or non-eligible candidates to still progress and become qualified. 

This combination reduces pressure on external recruitment and creates internal progression routes that improve retention. 

Final Thought 

Recruitment challenges are not going away, but they can be managed more effectively with the right structure. By combining Apprenticeships and Direct Diplomas, Swift Childcare helps nurseries widen access, develop existing staff, and build more stable teams. 

Speak to Swift Childcare today to explore how Level 3 Apprenticeships  and our Level 3 Diploma together to strengthen your workforce and reduce recruitment pressure.