Holmesglen Institute summit declares staff retention as ECEC’s biggest challenge

A major summit of early childhood leaders in Melbourne, hosted by Holmesglen Institute, has declared that staff retention is the biggest challenge facing the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

With demand for trained professionals soaring, attendees argue, new ways need to be found to stem high turnover and encourage trainees to develop in their roles.

A survey of the 80 attendees at Holmesglen’s inaugural In Focus Series found that better training, better wages and conditions and better promotion would make the biggest difference in retaining staff.

Experts told the summit that with the number of children in groups growing from 22 to 30 in some cases, the pressure on educators has intensified.

An influx of inexperienced staff to meet the surging demand for ECEC in communities has led to calls for greater professional development and greater focus on wellbeing to prevent high burn-out and turnover of more experienced staff who are stepping in to fill knowledge gaps.

“Support for Educational Leaders is a critical factor in sustaining a culture of professional learning among staff in early childhood education settings,” Senior Holmesglen Education Lecturer Dr Mary Hughes said. 

“It is leaders who have the skills and attributes needed to build a learning community within the context of the setting,” Dr Hughes said.

“Effective leadership in early childhood education involves a collaborative approach with others in the setting. It is important for leaders to know how to have ‘heartfelt’ and ‘hardline’ conversations where necessary, and advocate when required, whether in their interactions with colleagues or parents, families and carers.”

For Dr Hughes, the importance of the emotional aspects of Educational Leadership ‘cannot be overstated’ when it comes to building respect, trust and collegiality within the early childhood context.

“Care and consideration in the workplace are key factors in supporting the wellbeing of staff members,” she said.