Explore Play Wales
Findings from Social Care Wales’ first survey of the early years and childcare gives a clearer picture of the people working in the sector, what motivates them and the challenges they face. More than 900 people in a variety of roles took part in the survey between October and December 2025, representing around six percent of the workforce in Wales.
The findings, which confirm many of the issues Social Care Wales already knows about, include:
- 31% said they started working in early years and childcare because they wanted to make a difference, while 30% said they wanted a job that would suit their skills or they would be good at
- 93% said they have the right training to do their job, but there are concerns about unclear or limited career progression pathways
- 31% are thinking of leaving the sector because of factors such as low pay, a high workload, lack of recognition, limited opportunities for progression and staff shortages
- 35% said they would like to move into a leadership role in the future, but more than a third faced barriers to training, such as lack of time, staff shortages and cost
- 54% were satisfied with their terms and conditions, such as pay, working hours and policies, but there are ongoing pressures around recruitment and workforce growth.
In response to the findings, Social Care Wales said:
‘These findings provide a useful starting point to better understand the early years and childcare workforce in Wales. We’ll continue to work with national and regional partners to influence, support, and shape solutions to these challenges, wherever possible. Some of the actions we’re taking include:
- starting our coordinated outreach activity to promote childcare careers to men
- establishing leadership and management forums for shared learning and support
- updating the early years career pathway
- expanding work trials through our Pathways to Childcare programme.’