A Better Start Through Workforce Innovation: Supporting the Early Years Workforce of the Future

Introduction

This report looks at how A Better Start (ABS) partnerships are developing and supporting the early‑years workforce. It explains the challenges facing the sector and shares examples of how ABS areas are strengthening skills, wellbeing and practice.

It’s written for:

• funders

• policy teams

• workforce leaders

• organisations working with babies, young children and families

Findings

The report found that early-years professionals face many pressures, including:

• limited capacity

• recruitment difficulties

• increasing complexity in families’ needs

ABS areas have responded by investing in:

• staff development

• improving supervision

• creating new specialist roles

• strengthening multiagency working

Workforce wellbeing is highlighted as a key factor in delivering high-quality support.

The report also shows how training, coaching and reflective practice help staff feel more confident and able to meet children’s developmental needs.

Case studies from the 5 ABS sites show how partnerships designed innovative workforce models to improve:

• diet and nutrition

• social and emotional development

• communication and language